Jólabókaflóð, or Christmas Book Flood, is a literary tradition a number of American readers have been borrowing over the last few years. It centers on buying books for friends and loved ones and giving them on Christmas Eve. In this way, you can share your love of books and spend the evening reading by the Christmas tree, fireplace, or wherever you spend this important day.
If you’d like to know more about the tradition, check out my post in which I speak with the president of the Icelandic Publishers Association, Heiðar Ingi Svansson.
These titles are sure to keep you reading late into the night this Jólabókaflóð!
Ezra James used to be a big deal: Harvard graduate, FBI agent, beautiful wife. After being accused of fabricating evidence in a serial killer trial, he finds himself suspended, on the verge of a divorce, and working security at a posh Catholic school in Chicago. Then something out-of-the-ordinary happens: a young student-teacher is attacked during a Christmas pageant and left for dead in the snow with a noose around her neck and an electrical burn. Plus, she’s pregnant. Ezra, along with up-and-coming police detective, Lucia Vargas, and school chaplain, Fr. Remy Mbombo, must work fast before the culprit returns to finish the job. Get an ebook for only $0.99 on Kindle.
A mystery that starts and ends in the snow, this one is the perfect companion for your Christmas Eve.
Gwyneth Camm has just inherited her great-aunt’s house in Salem, Massachusetts, along with an
extensive collection of gothic romance novels. As a PhD student who prefers “serious” books,
Gwyn has always avoided pulp fiction. Now, in honor of her beloved Aunt Ethel, she gives one
of the gothics a try…and promptly falls asleep.
When she wakes, she finds herself inside the story, thrust by forces unknown into the heroine’s
role. There’s magic afoot, and the only way back to her own life is to play her part and solve the
mystery.
When fiction becomes fact, anything can happen… Read today on Kindle for only $3.99!
After being widowed and surviving the wrath of a serial killer, Jessica believes her misfortunes are over. She’s reunited with her first love, Jon, and together, with her son Bryce, and a baby on the way, they’re living their happily ever after on their ranch in Montana. That is until secrets, lies, and a formidable foe from Jon’s past emerge to shake the foundation of their relationship, forcing them to flee for their lives.
A decade earlier, Jon worked undercover for the FBI. He infiltrated Hugh Jones’ Kansas City Mob, and almost destroyed his empire. Unaware of the breech in his own defenses, Hugh, obsessed with revenge, unleashes every weapon in his arsenal, targeting those Jon loves the most.
Read today! Starting as low at $4.99!
Fourteen year old Kathleen Gray— talented, a little wild, at times rebellious, but always popular—has a fun, easy life in rural Somerset, with a doting family. It’s freezing when a terrible accident happens and changes everything. Suddenly, they are gone, she has only Uncle Jack. Try as he might, he cannot be father and mother to her. Kathleen takes a chance and becomes Kate Westfield, fending for herself in London, with a new life built on her hopes and dreams and new friends. She could hardly have imagined that one of those friends has a shoebox full of answers. |
Read it today for only $5.99!
This delightful series focuses on the humorous mystery and romantic adventures of the kind folks who live in the environs of a small village nestled on Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin. Along the way in the series, silkie chickens, a giant prehistoric beaver skeleton, a kidnapped reindeer, and other flora and fauna contribute to the amusing mischief and mayhem.
When her pet reindeer, Rudolph, is stolen from the live animal holiday display, first-grade teacher Crystal Hagan has a big problem on her hands. Her students fear that Christmas will be canceled. Ironically, the prime suspect is a man who lives in a mansion known as the “North Pole”. And to her shock, Peter LeBarron admits to kidnapping Rudolph and he won’t give him back without some romantic “negotiations”.
First grade teacher Desiree Tucker is on the brink of winter holidays with her new, romantic boyfriend when danger encroaches on her joy. Ominous, untraceable texts buzz on her cell phone. Terrifying secret Santa gifts show up for her in the classroom. As the stalker moves closer to the prey, Desiree doesn’t know who she can trust. Her charming new man is a prime suspect. Is he a deadly stalker? If not him, who? What can she learn from the legend of the snow kiss cookie? Just when she’s starting to believe in magic again, she finds herself fighting for her life. Cookie recipe included.
Humorous cozy mystery Death by Sample Size is set in wintertime Los Angeles, where
the year-round weather is so mild and balmy that one must consult the calendar to confirm which
season it is. Weather plays a big role in the plot as the protagonist is the vice president of sales of
a ladies’ swimwear company. Weather wimp Holly Schlivnik would never survive living in a
cold-weather area. She lives on a houseboat and drives a vintage convertible with the top down
twelve months a year.
Till death do us part, with kitchen shears. When a family man kills his wife, the Fog Ladies—spunky senior sleuths in an elegant apartment building in San Francisco—set out to discover the truth. They find a years-old Christmas murder, undertake a Christmas visit to a women’s prison with the best gift ever, and discover a Christmas clue to the true killer. Unfortunately, marriage can be deadly.
Oxford, England 1993. An awkward American grad student hits a gorgeous English undergrad with her bicycle. She’s embarrassed. He’s intrigued. They go their separate ways, but neither forgets.
Chicago, Illinois December 2013. Successful novelist Cress Taylor starts receiving anonymous threats that undermine her world. When a figure from her past turns up at a book signing and wants to renew their fleeting acquaintance, Cress wonders if the timing is coincidental or suspicious? Should she fall into his arms or run like hell?
A former spy now working for a global security company, Max Grant has always steered clear of relationships—until now. When he sees Cress in a TV interview, his curiosity ignites. Will the spark he felt twenty years ago burst into flame? Cress is a magnet he can’t resist.
As threats escalate, Max feels driven to protect Cress but she’s not sure she can trust him. Complicating everything, Max’s big Scottish family will arrive soon in Chicago for Christmas.
Can she overcome her fears and is he willing to give up his secrets so they can have a Happy New Year?
Read on Kindle Unlimited for free!
Magic, Mimosas & Mistletoe is the high-spirited third book in the Charmed Cocktail Cozy mystery series. If you like ghost mysteries with holiday slaying, you’ll love M.L. Bonatch’s festive read!
Buy Magic, Mimosas & Mistletoe to cheer your holiday spirit today and all year!
Steven J Kolbe 
Love this tradition! Love the book selection, too! Thank you!
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I thought there were some pretty good ones on there as well!
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Thanks again for including Trip the Light Phantasmic in your list. There are some great titles here!
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Of course! Hopefully some people find out about your work!
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I am thrilled to be included in such a great selection of authors. Thank you for including Death by Sample Size in your list. I love the concept of this tradition and am pleased it has caught on in the US. Susie Black
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It could always catch on more!
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