My Cosy Book Recommendations for Christmas (Part 1)

I'm excited to share my first in a series of videos on my cosy Christmas reading recommendations. I'm sharing Christmas content earlier than I usually would this year, as post is generally delayed in the UK (and beyond), so I hope my recommendations will still help you organise your festive reading in time. See below for links!
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If you enjoy this video, please consider subscribing to my youtube channel. I'd be thrilled!
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My blog is: mirandasnoteboo...
You can find me on instagram at: @mirandasnotebook and @mirandasbookcase
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BOOKS MENTIONED IN VIDEO:
Just William at Christmas by Richmal Crompton (out of print but audiobook available here): tinyurl.com/y6...
Who Killed the Curate? by Joan Coggin: tinyurl.com/y5...
Mistletoe and Murder by Robin Stevens: tinyurl.com/y2...
Snowdrift and other stories by Georgette Heyer: tinyurl.com/y2...
The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding by Agatha Christie: tinyurl.com/y4...
Midwinter Murder by Agatha Christie: tinyurl.com/yx...
Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie: tinyurl.com/y2...
Murder in the Snow by Gladys Mitchell: tinyurl.com/y6...
The Mistletoe Murder by P D James: tinyurl.com/y4...
The Ultimate Christmas Cracker by John Julius Norwich: tinyurl.com/y6...
Rumpole at Christmas by John Mortimer: tinyurl.com/y5...
Christmas Days by Jeanette Winterson: tinyurl.com/y5...
The Twelve Days of Christmas by John Julius Norwich: tinyurl.com/y2...
Christmas with Dull People by SAKI: tinyurl.com/y4...
The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Arthur Conan Doyle: tinyurl.com/y2...
Home for Christmas (unavailable)
Christmas Pudding by Nancy Mitford: tinyurl.com/y2...
The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater: tinyurl.com/y4...
A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas: tinyurl.com/y2...
A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas (audiobook): tinyurl.com/yy...
No Holly for Miss Quinn and The Christmas Mouse by Miss Read are out of print individually, but seem to be in this collection which is in print: tinyurl.com/yy...
A Country Christmas by Miss Read: tinyurl.com/y5...
Christmas at Thrush Green by Miss Read: tinyurl.com/y2...
Dickens at Christmas: tinyurl.com/y5...
Little Women (An Annotated Edition) by Louisa May Alcott: tinyurl.com/yx...
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ABOUT ME: I'm Miranda Mills, a freelance writer and photographer living in Yorkshire.

[@dmurphy42]

Every episode from Miranda is like a warm hug. Really enjoy this channel. Thanks so much.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much! 🤗

[@Loopylily03]

Hello, I've just recently stumbled upon your channel and I must say I LOVE it. I am currently rekindling my love of reading and your channel and recommendations are helping enormously.

[@MirandaMills]

I'm so happy to hear that - thanks so much 😃 📚

[@lauragray4197]

Miranda, your recommendations are always spot on. I have discovered new writers through your posts, and have felt so glad to hear when you have enjoyed books that have been old favourites. What a lovely atmosphere you create. 💞

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much, Laura!

[@georgiam4576]

Well, Miranda, if your aim was to offer comfort and joy, then job well done! I adored this video and it might be my favourite of yours yet. I am usually someone who does not want to hear about Christmas before December 1st, but this year I think we could all do with a bit of cheer and much comfort reading, and I, for one, have taken your recommendations to heart. Such a well thought out list and the best thing is, there is part 2 and the anthologies video to look forward to. Cannot wait!

[@MirandaMills]

That’s so lovely of you to say, Georgia! Thank you very much. I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I think I have some real gems for the next two videos too, so I’m excited to share them 😊📚❤️🎄

[@coenlouie684]

instablaster.

[@katerinakokki2013]

Great book recommendations Miranda! I always read Christmas books in December and I love Agatha Christie and Miss Read too! The book I read every year is A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote, it has a special place in my heart ♥️

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you Katerina! I love A Christmas Memory too, and his Thanksgiving story as well 😊📚❤️

[@GinaHouse]

I have "A Christmas Memory" on my list for this year! Can't wait to read it :D

[@yorkshirerose6334]

@@MirandaMills Have you read The Grass Harp? A beautiful story also.

[@angiemcdermid4845]

Always love to include Sherlock Holmes. It was my first adult read and has continued to be a favourite. This year I am rereading books on audio for comfort. I listen to Patrick Stewart read A Christmas Carol every year as I decorate. I also recommend Louise Penny for mysteries set in the Eastern Canadian mountains

[@julierogers1155]

Lovely, as always. It is NOT TOO EARLY for the Christmas reads video post. By the time I can order one of these and it comes by post it will be perfectly timed for Christmas.

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks Julie! xxx

[@yorkshirerose6334]

Hi Miranda. Thanks for all the recommendations. I have read quite a few of the ones you mentioned and agree with you that they are good. Dylan Thomas and Miss Read I do read every year at Christmas. You did introduce me to quite a few also. I was pleased to see my local library had some of them, I have put on hold Big Bang which is John Julius Norwich's Christmas crackers from 2000-2009, Nigel Slater's book and Rumpole's Christmas. I ordered Dickens at Christmas from amazon as a gift to myself with a gift card I got for my birthday. Ones I will read not on your list: 3 cozy mysteries: The Christmas Egg by Mary Kelly, Portrait of a Murderer by Anne Meredith, and Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas by Stephanie Barron. Also, Christmas Bells by Jennifer Chiaverini, inspired by the classic poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. These are all new to me. Re-reads: The Dean's Watch by Elizabeth Goudge and also a children's book by her: I Saw Three Ships. Christmas at Fairacre by Miss Read. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. I buy my daughter a children's Christmas book every year. This year I am getting her The Robin and the Fir Tree by Jason Jameson. In past years I have bought her A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote, A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas, Beatrix Potter, and many others (this is her 23rd year).

[@MirandaMills]

It sounds like you have some great reads lined up for Christmas! How lovely you always give your daughter a festive book each year too - that's a wonderful tradition xxx

[@alisonmidd]

Lovely recommendations, thankyou. I'm currently reading Agatha Christie Midwinter murder and read Hercule Poirot's Christmas last year. I always re read Dickens A Christmas Carol and his Christmas tree short story. It reminds me of reading it at Christmas with mum. I adore Nigels Christmas chronicles, his writing seems to fully immerse you into his world and I love booms that have a mixture of writing and recipes. The little library cookbooks are some of my favourites and am looking forward to getting my hands on the Christmas one.

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed them! I’m such a fan of books that are a mixture of writing and recipes too 😊📚🎄

[@muhlenstedt]

I am always so happy when I see that you have posted a new video! Thank you!😙😙😙😙😚

[@MirandaMills]

That’s lovely to hear! Thank you! 😊📚❤️

[@takeflightinreading863]

Oh, Miranda has her Christmas recommendation uploaded,(before even clicking on the video), let me open my Goodreads page first :) I was planning to go for my daily walk but instead, I am watching this video with my cup of tea. Cozy mysteries are my favorite genre around Christmas.

[@MirandaMills]

Haha yay! Thank you! Hope you enjoy my recommendations (and your cup of tea). I just love cosy mysteries this time of year especially too 😊📚🎄❤️

[@katerinakokki2013]

Same!!

[@CreatedbyCatherine]

We always read and watch John Masefield's 'Box of Delights' it is my husband's favourite traditional book and now our. It is his Birthday in December so he always re reads it then and also we start the tv series at the end of November. I re read 'Christmas Carol' too. My cosy fluffy is always Sarah Morgan's new Christmas novel as she seems to bring one out every year. Lovely selection here thank you. X Catherine

[@MirandaMills]

Box of Delights is a childhood favourite of mine as well! How lovely that you joint read and watch it each year with your husband; that's such a fun tradition to have 😊 xxx

[@teresaparkins1255]

Really enjoyed part 1 Miranda and can't wait for more! I am looking forward to reading lots of those books too and among my own favourites I would add Elizabeth Goudge's A Christmas Book, Noel Streatfeild's Christmas Stories (and White Boots) and Anthony Trollope's Christmas at Thompson Hall. Such a great season to indulge in, thank you for bringing us such joy, happy reading, Teresa 🌲📚🌲

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much, Teresa! I love all those books you mentioned too. There really is a wealth of wonderful reading material for this time of year :) xxx

[@karenwhite2601]

I'm delighted that I've just ordered four of your Christmas cosy book recommendations! Secondhand and all for a total of less than £15 incl. p&p. I will have extra Christmas reading this year and am looking forward to settling down with the new titles: Mistletoe and Murder, Dickens at Christmas, Snowdrift and other stories & No Holly for Miss Quin. I found a compilation of Miss Read's stories which also includes Christmas At Fairacre, The Christmas Mouse and Christmas At Fairacre School. I've added Nigel Slater's Christmas Chronicles to my wish list!

[@ellemacbeth1571]

Great video. Thank you for all the wonderful ideas.

[@MirandaMills]

You are very welcome! Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@chalanecasdorphwride8785]

So thrilled to have found you! I came hoping to see if there is a Christmas work by Wilkie Collins. Charles Dickens is my favorite author of all time. (Just finished "No Thoroughfare" again.) I'm looking forward to reading/listening to your suggestions. Thank you ever so much! You are so lovely! Happy Christmas from Utah, USA! 🇺🇸 ❤🇬🇧

[@laurahardin6424]

I will be excited to try the Agatha Christie recommendations & the Sherlock Holmes book too. Until this year I had never read Agatha Christie books before, but at Halloween time you recommended Halloween Party so I picked it up and I really enjoyed it. So, I know I will like those at well. I have not read any Sherlock Holmes books so I think I need to purchase one and try it. Also, after your talking of The Biscuit I ordered the book off of Amazon.com/UK. I am excited to receive the book! It is not sold in the US so by the time I get it in the mail it will be my Christmas present. I do enjoy your videos, thank you for sharing all the books you love.

[@MirandaMills]

Oh yay! Excited you’re trying & enjoying Agatha Christie- I just love her books. The Sherlock Holmes stories are, I think, wonderful too. The Biscuit will make a fabulous gift to yourself - enjoy! 😊📚🎄

[@laurahardin6424]

@@MirandaMills I think I am most excited for The Biscuit. Oh and I got Miss Bensons Beetle that you recommended. I was able to get that book at Barnes and Noble so I will be excited to start that one. Have you read any books by Fredrik Bachman? Most love Beartown, which I did as well, but I just finished Anxious People and I loved it. Every page keeps me wanting to read more. He is excellent with character development and weaving a story together in ways you did not see coming. They are rich, sometimes deep, always has some element of dark subject, but it is some of the most beautiful writing I have ever read. Just thought I would mention him.

[@MirandaMills]

No I haven’t read any of his books, but will look them up. Thank you for the recommendation! xxx

[@GinaStanyerBooks]

This was a delight! One of my favorite Christmas books is Nigella Christmas. She has such a cozy chatty style.

[@MirandaMills]

That is a lovely book, I agree! I always really enjoy her descriptions of Christmas and her festive recipes! xxx

[@Cardenio2012]

This is delightful! I’m getting excited about Christmas already. Me too, I love reading favorite books from childhood during Christmas time and Little Women is one of them as well. I also read Anne of Green Gables and Little Princess every Christmas. This year I will read Georgette Heyer’s mystery novels for the first time. 🎄Thank you for the video and I look forward to Part 2 of Christmas recommendations!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much! Oh I love those books too, and Anne getting her puffed sleeves at Christmas is one of my favourite bits 😊. The particularly Christmassy Georgette Heyer mystery is called ‘Envious Casca,’ but I think it’s now found under the title ‘A Christmas Party.’ Enjoy your reading. 😊📚🎄

[@lindahill5194]

Love Miss Read and Sherlock also. I own all the Miss Reads, collected in used copies over the years. Looking forward to sampling some more from your list. Thank you!

[@MirandaMills]

So happy to hear that! Your Miss Read collection sounds gorgeous xxx

[@karenwhite2601]

Wonderful selection of books for Christmas.

[@lucybalt7312]

Have read Hercule Poirot’s Christmas and have recently got the audio version. Midwinter Murder is on my Christmas list! Love Christmas Chronicles and as you say, perfect to read at any time during the winter, not just at Christmas. Really looking forward to the content you have planned during the next few weeks! 😀

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much, Lucy! I so enjoy the Poirot books on audio too. I don’t think I have the Christmas one though, so that may just have to be my December audible choice!

[@karenbrowne7233]

Christmas is such a rich season for reading, there’s such a wealth and variety of books available it can be difficult to know where to start and when to stop buying; who can resist a Christmas purchase when the covers look so beautiful 😍 So far I’ve picked up Christmas is Murder by Val McDermid, Midwinter Murder by Agatha Christie and Death On Skis by Nancy Spain, but its early days 🤣.

[@MirandaMills]

Oh I know, Karen - they’re all so tempting!! I have collected Christmas books for years, but even now there are so many new ones I want to add to my stock 😅 Your choices sound excellent! I’m hoping to read the Nancy Spain book myself, either this month or next! Xxx

[@iceywang2554]

It’s always pure joy watching ur video! I love your KZbin Chanel as well as you instagram, the pictures you post are always gorgeous and stunning.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much!! That's so lovely of you to say 😊 xxx

[@iceywang2554]

@@MirandaMills I would be over the moon if you are interested in doing a book recommendation video about nature! I noticed you have got an amazing collections in this genre and I’m really curious about you idea!

[@jesslokuge920]

Lovely collection of books to read in Christmas time xx

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much, Jess! xxx

[@teresamadeira3665]

So many good recommendations Miranda! I love Hercule Poirot's Christmas, thank you for reminding me of this book, I'm going to reread it this evening :)

[@MirandaMills]

Oh thank you, Teresa! Enjoy your reading - it is a great book! Xx

[@Hannah-xn4st]

I've been eagerly anticipating your Christmas recommendations! So many on this list I'll definitely be ordering to read in the build up to Christmas!:)

[@MirandaMills]

So happy to hear that, thank you! 😊📚🎄

[@shelleyimmel8067]

Wonderful Vlog. I have been able to find some of these books at my library ebooks but I think I will need to order a couple of the books as well, but I need to wait for a couple of orders from Blackwell first.😇

[@daisycakescreativeservices5678]

Miranda, thanks so much for adding links to each recommendation. I get a lot of wonderful books for my TBR list from watching your channel.

[@norfolkreads]

So many wonderful suggestions! I love how much you enjoy Christmas, it's my favourite time of year :)

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you very much! 😊🎄

[@pamelapoet9]

Your introduction is so thoughtful and uplifting, as are the recommended reads. You're the Christmas book angel! ;)

[@MirandaMills]

Aw, thanks so much Pamela! 📚🎄😘

[@GinaHouse]

So much Christmas Joy! I wish you could do 100 Christmas episodes - lol. You've really made the Christmas season something to look forward to - yay! I love your decorations and can't wait for more recommendations. I already bought a few of the audiobooks and a bunch of books. I wish I had Christmas money now to buy even MORE books :P (I'll be reading Miss Read's Christmas stories, A Christmas Carol, The Night Before Christmas, Pearl S. Buck's Christmas collection and a couple of Elizabeth Goudge Christmas stories.) Thank you for bringing lots of early joy to everyone! xoxo

[@MirandaMills]

haha thank you! Your Christmas reading selection sounds delightful :) Hope you all enjoy all the festive videos to come! xxx

[@apriledward]

I love your book recommendations and I love watching your videos!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much! ☺️📚❤️

[@sandyokey7728]

I have quite a collection of Christmas books also, and am so pleased to have found some more to add to my collection. I agree wholeheartedly with cozy mysteries set at the holidays too. Thank you so much for this. Oh, and I’m a new subscriber too😊

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much for subscribing! I’m so pleased you enjoyed my suggestions 😊📚🎄

[@rebeccabsomanybooks3558]

Lovely recommendations as always. Thanks

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed them! Thank you 😊📚❤️

[@maryfilippou6667]

You are so kind and I'm right with you for the comfort of books through difficult patches. Ruth Rendell mysteries helped years ago! I'm sorry I never wrote her to say.

[@tracygregory8448]

Snowdrift looks good thinking of getting that one thanks Miranda

[@kayescottage505]

I’ve never heard you mention Roseamund Pilcher. I love winter solstice at Christmas

[@MirandaMills]

I have spoken about Rosamunde Pilcher in past videos, and in fact you'll be hearing a lot more about Winter Solstice on here from the 20th 😉 I love it too and read it every Christmas!

[@kayescottage505]

So lovely to hear❤️

[@janicemacdougall1844]

Oh my goodness, I loved all the books you described

[@MirandaMills]

Oh I hope you do! Thank you - so glad you enjoyed my recommendations. Looking forward to sharing more! 📚 🎄

[@palomahilesamate1053]

Your videos are so good! My wish list keeps growing!! :-)

[@MirandaMills]

Oh thank you Paloma! So glad you enjoy them 😊📚❤️

[@GinaHouse]

Mine, too! lol

[@gcm2734]

I'm currently listening to Venetia, so really fancy that beautiful copy of Snowdrift by Georgette Heyer! I've just started The Christmas Chronicles. Nigel Slater is one of my favourite writers. 😀

[@MirandaMills]

Venetia is one of my very favourites! Definitely recommend the short stories too - they were perfect cosy reads :) xxx

[@juliavasquez82]

Thank you for the recommendations Miranda! I read last year A Christmas' Carol and I loved it!

[@MirandaMills]

It's such a wonderful read! ❤️

[@1jackieworcs]

I was given Midwinter Murder and The Mistletoe Murder for my birthday. Really looking forward to reading them 😊

[@MirandaMills]

Oh wonderful! Enjoy :)

[@lizdorrington2851]

Hi Miranda, I'm new to your channel and I love it! Thankyou for the Christmas book recommendations, my all time favorites book is Little Women but I love Jeanette Winterson's book also, so beautiful. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much! I'm very pleased you're enjoying my videos xxx

[@hopeowsley2572]

Such a lovely video. I've added many of these titles to my TBR list.

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you! xxx

[@joannabailey9414]

Wonderful ! Mistletoe &Murder,Midwinter Murder, a Miss Read and the Dylan Thomas audio all seem to have been ordered. Ooooops🤭 I adore this time of year. I much prefer Advent to Christmas, always feeling Christmas Day is the ultimate anti-climax. Thank you so much. I am hoping Blackwell’s have you on commission, you deserve it.

[@MirandaMills]

Lovely book choices! Ha, no - no commission, no affiliate links. It’s lovely when people buy the books I recommend, but it doesn’t earn me anything! I should obviously start a bookshop someday... Enjoy your Christmassy reading 📚😊

[@JoeBecomingaMillionaire]

Great list, plus your voice is so soothing and calming!!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you!

[@DarlingDesi]

These are amazing! I literally want to go and buy all of them right now..🎄

[@MirandaMills]

haha thank you!

[@AlyssaReids]

These are such great recommendations. Thank you. I may just have to add some of these to my TBR. Happy Reading!!!

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed them! Xxx

[@MyLocsareREAL]

🥰🥰🥰 This video was so fun to watch....Miranda you really have some beautiful editions....”Little Women” wow!!! I never drink coffee after 10 am but when I saw this video, I made me some coffee and a bowl of Ice cream 🍨...😊...I LOVE YOUR KZbin CHANNEL...(that was me screaming that out)

[@MirandaMills]

That’s so lovely of you to say, Kiki, thank you! Haha, I love the thought of you having coffee and ice-cream whilst watching! That sounds so fun 😄☕️ 🍨 Funnily enough, my mum and I were just trying to work out when I got that Little Women, and I think it was 7 years ago! It is a special edition ❤️

[@badger2698]

Oh this is lovely. Thankyou for the recommendations 🧡

[@MirandaMills]

So glad you enjoyed them! Thank you xxx

[@maggied.586]

Just found your marvelous channel and I am sooo thankfull for it! You are quite unique on KZbin: super cosy, pure, slow, nostalgic, etc... I'm afraid I'll get addicted... Warm autumn greetings from Belgium! Maggie 🍂🦉🧡

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you for your lovely comment. So glad you found me and are enjoying my videos 😊📚

[@MsBolinas]

Thank you, Miranda and Merry Christmas!!!

[@elizabethbrink3761]

This is so fun! I kept switching back and forth between my library's and local indie bookstore's websites. I've never heard of Rumpole. Sounds wonderful! I read No Holly for Miss Quinn last year and loved it so much. My favorite Christmas book from childhood is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. It is so funny and touching. I also love A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote.

[@MirandaMills]

I just love Rumpole, Elizabeth! The TV series starring Leo McKern was so fabulous too. I do recommend watching it if you ever get the chance, and of course the books are brilliant too - so funny! You’re stirring memories with The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I’m sure I read that as a child, but I don’t have a copy anymore, sadly xxx

[@jellyghostt]

Accidentally bought myself Midwinter Murder for Christmas, whoops!

[@MirandaMills]

😂👍

[@cheche2174]

That happens to me too holi! It’s terrible how these ‘accidents’ happen isn’t it?🤣🤣

[@ruthfernandez8801]

Just William yess my childhood so good and funny 💕

[@MirandaMills]

Love those stories!

[@ruthfernandez8801]

Hubert Lane 🤣

[@lindahill5194]

What?!! How have I missed all this time that you have a blog?! Very excited to share your country life via the internet.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you! I’m struggling to keep it up to date at the moment though - too much going on! Xxx

[@millysbookshelf2101]

Some lovely ideas, thank you for sharing. I can't believe that out of your list I have only read one! What am I doing with my time?

[@MirandaMills]

Haha glad you enjoyed the list! Thank you. And happy reading 😄📚🎄

[@paolapelli5154]

I love so much your video and your choises, I hope to read and discover news autors with you ..I asked just yesterday my husband as a Christmas present the book of Nigel Slater The Christas Chronicle !! .I have Dickens on my bedside table and my favourite child book for Christmas is Pippi Longstocing...Cari saluti from Florence Paola @dolcinelcassetto

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much; that's lovely to hear! Oh, I hope you get The Christmas Chronicles; it's such a wonderful read - not only for Christmas, but for winter. Thank you for reminding me of Pippi Longstocking - haven't read one for years, but now I want to! xxx

[@Sherlika_Gregori]

I don’t know why, but during Christmas I love to read ghost stories .

[@MirandaMills]

A Christmas Carol is certainly my favourite ghost story for Christmas :)

[@margarettaylor920]

Thank you Miranda! What a feast you have set before us! I have the Penguin Christmas Classics hard back set with the delightful Christmassy red dust covers. www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/267/penguin-christmas-classics Just before I was watching this show I was searching out a an OOP Australian Christmas children's book, Gemma's Christmas that has a distinct Australian flavour. I am looking forward to searching out your delicious recommendations.

[@suzannegagne8692]

Nothing naughty about a glass of booze Miranda 😂

[@lauracandykiss]

Thank you. It was good to see such lovely books 📕