You can’t get away from it now – it’s December and time to start looking forward to the holidays! To that end, I’ve teamed up with 11 other authors to bring you 12 Christmas Books.
The Support of Other Writers
One of the most wonderful and surprising aspects of being an indie author is the support of other writers. When I turned full-time author/mentor two and a half years ago, this was one aspect of the freelance life that I just hadn’t even considered. I’ve been a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors since its inauguration at London Book Fair in 2012 and keep in touch with the members on social media and at the annual book fair. But it wasn’t until I turned fully fledged author-entrepreneur that I understood how supportive the community really was.
This past year, I’ve also been part of a smaller group of like-minded writers. This is an unofficial group where we celebrate each other’s successes, bemoan the writer’s lot and generally support each other on a more personal level.
For Christmas, we decided to put all our seasonal books together in a special promotion, where we highlight one book per day for each of the 12 days. As usual, the group came together to produce a fantastic campaign. There’s even a new rendition of ’12 Days of Christmas’ sung by a mystery artist(s)! Unfortunately, my contribution remained minimal due to illness and family issues, but as a mark of the kind of people that are part of this group, this wasn’t at all a problem. I hope I can contribute more to our next campaign.
Have a look at the books on offer below – there’s everything from sweet, sharp, thrilling or downright dangerous! If you see a hashtag #12xmasbooks on other social media, I’d love it if you could retweet or like, or whatever the form is.
12 Days of Christmas in Books
Here are 12 gift books for all tastes – cozy mystery, European crime, Nordic romance, dark, twisted psychological thrillers, historical fiction and everything in between. Twelve Days of Christmas in books, if you like. To find out more about these must-read titles for Christmas 2018, just click the images of the books below!
Murder in the Manger
A real baby in a church nativity play – what could possibly go wrong? Plenty of Christmas humour in this feel-good, festive cosy mystery by Debbie Young.
The Chase
Christmas in France. A roaring fire on a frosty night, a glass of wine, goodwill to all men. Except one. Get your Christmas chills with this haunting tale of secrets and betrayal by Lorna Ferguson.
Nici’s Christmas Tale
“A parable that speaks to the hearts of animal lovers around the world. One just wants to sit down with Nici as he shares his story in that cozy sheepfold while the cold winds rage outside on Christmas Eve!” 5* Award from Readers’ Favorite. Get this Amazon Number 1 New Release by Jean Gill today!
Into the Silent Sea
Dying for love? Clodagh Shepherd is. An idyllic coastal town where stalking has consequences and a shared past is never safely buried. Twisty, dark and with just the right amount of chill to keep you off balance, Into the Silent Sea is told in Claire Stibbe’s signature suspenseful style.
The Frozen River
A small Canadian town at Christmas. But not everyone feels the seasonal goodwill. Strained loyalties. Hopeless love. Frozen hearts. Deep resentments. New beginnings? There is so much to this book, romance, heartbreak, tragedy but also hope and endurance. If you haven’t read any of Clare Flynn’s historical romances yet, here’s your chance to discover this stylish story-teller.
Bitter Like Orange Peel
Six women. One man. Seven secrets. One could ruin them all. “These people take dysfunctional to a whole new level.” 5-stars. Snap up Bitter Like Orange Peel by Jessica Bell for an alternative Christmas read!
Snow Angel
An ancient forest conceals a complex web of hidden loyalties and lethal ties. Angels protect friends. But destroy enemies. Beatrice Stubbs, the Miss Marplesque detective is back in the latest instalment of this addictive series of contemporary European mysteries by JJ Marsh. Start reading these books now before everyone else becomes obsessed with them!
Roma Nova Extra
Suppose Roma Nova, the last remnant of the old Roman Empire, had struggled through to the 21st century – a tough little country with tough, resourceful people? Feasting, games, drink, servants as masters – check. But *this* family Saturnalia there are quite a few surprises… Read on in Roma Nova Extra, 8 stories from a 21st century Rome by Alison Morton.
The Christmas Heart
They weren’t looking for love, but when Kaisa meets Tom on a holiday to the beautiful snow-capped Swedish Alps, sparks fly. Get this new seasonal feel-good romance for just 99¢/p today! (Offer ends 12 December 218).
The Swooping Magpie
Shocked by the Magdalene Laundries scandal? Discover Australia’s own adoption scandal. For fans of Philomena, by Martin Sixsmith, this heartbreaking drama of lost innocence and deceit by Liza Perrat is now just 99c/p on a New Release PROMO!
The Chosen Man
Rome 1635. As Flanders braces for another long year of war, a Spanish count presents the Vatican with a means of disrupting the Dutch rebels’ booming economy. His plan is brilliant. They just need the right man to implement it. Cuddle up with a charismatic rogue, a conspiracy & a feisty heroine by J G Harlond this Christmas!
I Stopped Time

A deathbed confession, a collection of black and white photographs, a disgraced politician living in retirement in Surrey and the young woman who befriends him. This expertly crafted novel by award-winning author Jane Davis is now just 99c/p in a limited time promotion!