Tidings from the Bookshop!

I have such happy news today: after weeks of work (mostly on my husband’s part), the Bookshop has received a massive update and overhaul!

I am so excited to introduce all the changes we’ve made. One request I’ve consistently heard over the five years since I launched my shop was for the introduction of a shopping cart, and I’m pleased to inform you all that this wish has been granted. Now you can select multiple titles to add to your Shopping Basket, as well as automatically save on shipping and handling when you purchase more than one book at a time. We’ve added mobile support for ease of access and use, as well as a database of authors I love. And when you click on an individual book, you will find an information button in the top right-hand corner, which will direct you to a short bio of the author, as well as other books of theirs in inventory.

It’s been so much fun to integrate all these changes (and there are a few more forthcoming!), and I simply could not wait to share it with you.

And the best news? New inventory!

I have a whole new crop of beautiful books I have been waiting to release, including many rare and collectible titles by our own dear Elizabeth Goudge. (If you visit the Browse Books page you will be able see them all by clicking on the Recent Additions button.) I have to admit, there are a few among them I’m finding it difficult to part with, but that’s the joy of this whole undertaking: getting books I value into the hands of those who will value them equally.

Here are some of the highlights:

A hard-to-find first American edition of God So Loved the World, Goudge’s biography of Jesus.

The Ten Gifts, Mary Baldwin’s excellent sampling of Goudge’s works, focusing on the ten gifts of Love, Wonder, Beauty, Delight, Compassion, Understanding, Faith, Tranquility, Truth and Courage.

A Severe Mercy, Davy’s Edition, complete with six pages of photographs and color frontispiece.

Towers in the Mist, an enchanting Elizabethan story of Oxford, and The Castle on the Hill, a West Country wartime tale—both by Elizabeth Goudge, both quite rare (particularly on this side of the Pond!) and both from England.

I also have a couple of copies of Song of Years (my favorite Bess Streeter Aldrich book), as well as her beloved volume of holiday stories, Journey into Christmas.

There’s an English printing of Pilgrim’s Inn—published as Herb of Grace in the UK, three copies of Goudge’s autobiography (The Joy of the Snow), and two English printings of The Heart of the Family, the third book in Goudge’s Eliot Triolgy.

And don’t miss the sweet copy of Kate Douglas Wiggins’ The Birds’ Christmas Carol.

That’s a start. But I do want to add that if anyone is shopping for Christmas presents, books shipped via Media Mail as late as Wednesday, December 16 ought to get there in time for Christmas Eve. I can’t make any guarantees, of course, though it’s been a reliable service in the past. If anyone is interested in upgrading to Priority Mail, please feel free to let me know via the Bookshop Contact Page and I will be happy to give you an updated shipping estimate.

(One more thing: to avoid disappointment, please keep in mind that placing a book in your Shopping Basket does not remove it from inventory. Only when a book is purchased does it disappear from the shop.)

And as a final treat, in honor of this relaunch of my Bookshop (I can’t believe I’ve been doing this for five years!) and in celebration of the happy realization that I’ve been writing in this space for ten years (!), I’m offering a giveway: a lovely copy of The Art of Tasha Tudor, a candid celebration of the life and work of one of the greatest illustrators of our time (and one of my endearingly imperfect heroines).

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment and tell me the name of your very favorite Christmas book. (And, just for fun, let me know how long you’ve been reading here. :)) Comments will remain open until Tuesday, December 15, at 10:00 am, at which point I will randomly select a winner from among the entries.

I will update this post with the name of the winner, so be sure to check back on Tuesday morning!

Thank you, so very much, for being a part of this journey with me. The sense companionship I feel when I publishing something in this space has given me courage to keep moving in the “direction of my dreams.”

Much love and Advent blessings to you all!

94 Comments

  1. Congratulations on 10 wonderful years of Lanier’s Books! I was blessed to stumble upon your site in 2007 and it has been a favorite since. And, another congratulations on the 5th year anniversary of your lovely bookshop. I’m so excited to see all of the changes you’ve made and all of the lovely books you’ve added! My favorite Christmas book is The Fireside Book of Christmas Stories. There are so many stories within it that I cherish, but Christmas in Our Town by Alice Van Leer Carrick is the one I read over and over.
    Best wishes,
    Stacy

    1. Thank you so very much, Stacy! And thank you for reading so faithfully, for so long! I know there have been some quiet stretches around here–it blesses me to know you’ve kept checking in. 🙂

      And, oh, “The Fireside Book”–YES. That one is absolutely top of my list. And the Alice Van Leer Carrick piece is my hands-down favorite in the whole collection. 🙂

  2. Oh my. I collect Christmas books but the ones I have reread with my children who are grown is: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! We read it in one evening with a feast of hor d’oeuvres. I love Miss Read’s Christmas books: Village Christmas, Christmas Mouse, No Holly for Miss Quinn. Then Shepherd’s Abiding by Jan Karon because I read half of it to my mom before she died 11 years ago on Dec. 23. How long have I read your blog and bought books from you and met you at Hutchmoot. Many. Missed Hutchmoot this year because I was in NYC visiting my daughter for her Fall Break. Two of my students were there!

    1. Dear Bonnie–I missed getting to see you this year!

      And I love your tradition surrounding “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”! So fun.

      What a special and tender memory surrounding “Shepherds Abiding”. That is a beautiful book. I remember my parents really enjoyed reading that one together. xx

  3. The new bookshop looks great! 🙂

    While not “technically” a Christmas book, my favorite is Heaven to Betsy and the wondrous depiction of Christmas in the chapter about the brass bowl.

    1. Thank you, Samantha!

      And, oh, thanks for the reminder about “Heaven to Betsy”! Yes, I remember, and dearly LOVE that chapter. 🙂

  4. Ooh, so many lovely books! I’m a little hard pressed to come up with a very favourite Christmas Book, but I always seem to end up re-reading The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones. I don’t even have children but I love this book – the text is so beautiful and poetic and it makes a good lead up to Christmas (in truth, I always have grand intentions about advent readings and traditions, then end up working until close to Christmas and not getting around to half of them, but I shall persist!).

    1. Oh yes, sorry, I forgot to say how long I had been reading you blog. In truth I can’t remember, but it has been some years now, and many a wonderful thing have I found here. The post of yours a couple of years ago about roses at Christmas was the most exquisite. We have a rose down here that was bred for the Anglican Cathedral Anniversary called “St Saviour’s Rose” that blooms during advent, which seems most fitting.

    2. Goodness, I love Sally’s Storybook Bible, Alison. I’ve been listening to the audiobook version, read by David Suchet, of all people. It’s absolutely fantastic.

  5. I can’t tell you how happy I am to see the bookshop back in all it’s glory! The improvements look absolutely wonderful! I suppose it’s a bit cliché, but my favorite Christmas book remains “A Christmas Carol”. I’ve read it every Decemeber for at least a decade, so it has a very special place in my heart. 🙂

    As for your wonderful writing, I think I’ve been visiting this space regularly for at least eight years now, and I doubt I could begin to tell you how much your writing means to me, Lanier. Thank you for all you do. 🙂

    1. Josh. You’re so kind. Your words are always such an encouragement. 🙂

      And, no, “A Christmas Carol” absolutely NEVER gets old. No matter how many times I read/see it, I’m always undone.

      Did you see Chris Yokel’s mediation on the Rabbit Room the other day? He made some really good points about that story (as well as “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Home Alone”! ;)) Great stuff: https://www.rabbitroom.com/2015/12/the-christmas-longing/

  6. I LOVE how you have updated the bookshop! (I also love that you introduced me to Elizabeth Goudge several years ago!)

    I have been reading your blog since the beginning. Your words always strike a chord with me and leave me feeling as if I have had a visit from a “kindred spirit.” 🙂

    Though not truly a “Christmas” book, I love the opening chapters of Little Women!

    1. Yay! So glad you like it, Carina! 🙂

      And I’m really touched to know you’ve been around so long. There have been some long, silent patches around here from time to time. It means so much to know you’ve stuck with me through so many different seasons.

      And I always consider “Little Women” a Christmas book. 😉

  7. I have visited your website sometimes in the last 2 years, by way of Brenda’s “Coffee, Tea, Books & Me” site – there was a list of “Lanier’s Letters” referred to, and I enjoyed reading all of those very much too – were they by you? I can’t seem to find them on the internet now. I appreciated your post last Christmas – “Lo, How a rose” – the reminder that God can make a rose flourish in the wilderness; and there is beauty here.

    The first Christmas book writer that sprung to mind for me also was Miss Read – I especially enjoy her descriptive writing of the seasons. I haven’t read the books mentioned above, but do have “Winter in Thrush Green” –
    “But away from the lights and worries of the town the quiet hills lay beneath a velvety sky. No wind rustled the trees and no bird disturbed the night’s tranquility. Sheep still roamed the slopes as they had that memorable night so long ago in Palestine, and low on the horizon a great star, bright as a jewel, still held out eternal promise to mankind.” (p 128, in chapter titled, “Christmas Eve”)
    Another favourite book is Little Women.

    May Christ comfort and strengthen you in and through all your times.

  8. My favorite Christmas book is actually a book that I am currently reading for Advent- Waiting on the Word by Malcolm Guite.

    1. Laura, that book is such a gem. I actually managed to miss out on getting a copy myself this year, but as an accompaniment to his book, Malcolm is posting recordings of the daily poems on his website, alongside by beautiful images created by my very dear friend, Lancia Smith: https://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/blog/

      1. I’m also reading Waiting on the Word this December and really drinking it up. I’m relatively new to Malcolm Guite, only in the last several months, but I really resonate with his writings and poetry.
        I can’t remember how long I’ve been reading here. But it’s been a wonderfully time to come here and soak in the words and images created. I’m really enjoying all your recent photos and postings on social media.
        My other Christmas favorites have mostly been mentioned, Miss Read, Jan Karon. Henry Van Dyke also has some good Christmas stories I enjoy dipping into. We are reading aloud The Story of Holly and Ivy and The Family Under the Bridge. Next week we will read A Child’s Christmas in Wales and watch the movie and laugh our heads off. We also like Trisha Romance’s A Star for Christmas and Pearl Buck’s Christmas Day in the Morning. Oh so many good ones. I’m behind schedule on posting my bi-monthly reading list, but there are so many good books to enjoy this time of year.
        Love this space and the community you’ve built. Happy Advent, Lanier!

        1. Thank you, Heather! I’m glad you’re enjoying the pictures I’ve been posting. I’ve had a lot of fun with them. :

          And, oh yes, Henry Van Dyke is a good one, as is Godden’s “The Story of Holly and Ivy.” I think I was about 14 the first time I read the latter, and I will never forget it. 🙂

          We LOVE the “Child’s Christmas in Wales” film!!

  9. My favorite Christmas reads include a stack of old Victoria magazines and whatever I am reading with the kids. We have a collection of seasonal books that they are growing out of so those are very special to me.
    I’ve been readjng and sharing your site for a few years. I especially love the book and author recommendations. Thank you for sharing the good and lovely of life through your beautiful words.

  10. Little Christmas- by George MacDonald!
    And Ive been reading your heart dreams since we were 17! Does that count

  11. My current favorite Christmas book is The Sister of the Angels, the small Christmas sequel to A City of Bells. I was thrilled to find a copy at a great price a couple years ago.

    The comment that was made by a reader of my blog mentioned was when I listed my favorite Advent season links to your writings. Hmmm… I should do that again. (I already have Tasha’s book but I can’t resist a book post.)

    1. Dearest Brenda. 🙂

      I confess, I haven’t read “Sister of the Angels”, though I’m dying to get my hands on a copy!! 🙂

  12. I’ve read your blog about a year now, I think, finding it through the Rabbit Room originally. I have loved Tasha Tudor ever since I was very small, pouring over the illustrations of “The Secret Garden” long before I could read. My favorite Christmas book? “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”
    “I Saw Three Ships” by Goudge is a close second.
    Favorite Christmas story is “The Gift of the Magi”
    Thank you for writing! Merry Christmas! Sarah : )

    1. Goudge’s “I Saw Three Ships” is another favorite of mine, as well!

      And “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” NEVER gets old. 🙂

      Thank you, Sarah!

  13. My favorite Christmas book of all time is Tasha’s Tudor’s Becky’s Christmas. Like you, I love Tasha Tudor – yes, an endearingly imperfect heroine!

    1. “Becky’s Christmas” is one of the most magical books I have ever encountered. 🙂

      I always love finding another Tasha fan out there!

  14. Lanier, my friend Kimberlee Conway Ireton introduced you to me earlier this year….I think I’ve been a faithful fan for about a year.
    My favorite Christmas books? One I used to read when I was teaching: ‘Santa’s Favorite Story’ by Hisako Aoki and Ivan Gantschev. And one for ‘grown ups’, The Gift of the Magi, illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger. Makes me cry every time….
    Thank you for asking.
    I look forward to visiting the Bookshop!

    1. Jody, “The Gift of the Magi” makes me cry, too. Always. 🙂

      Haven’t heard of the Aoki and Gantschev title–I will have to look that one up!

      (And Kimberlee…what a gem. I love her so much. 🙂 )

  15. At Christmas I love to get out the “simple” stories: The Gift of the Magi, The Tale of Three Trees, the field mouse carolers’ scene from The Wind in the Willows and snippets from Little Women, Anne, and the Little House books. (I’m sorry — so hard to choose one, and now I’d like to check out all of the books mentioned above!).

    I think I’ve been reading your words here since March 2014, according to my bookmarks folder, but I know that many a time I’ve settled in for a good long read back in the archives. Thank you for blessing me with your earnest words of grace.

    1. Amy, you sound like me. I can’t really choose a favorite. I seem to gather all the stories I love around me at Christmastime. 🙂

  16. My favorite Christmas book is Little Women! My sister and I watch the movie every year, and every few years I re-read it. Nothing better. 🙂 I’ve been reading here since 2009, I believe! Goodness!

  17. Gift of the Magi.

    I’ve been following this blog for about three years– I was introduced to you by your Art of Spiritual Subtext talk at the Rabbit Room. I’ve met so many wonderful authors here since!

  18. Ooh, pick me! 🙂

    I found you through the Rabbit Room in the late fall of 2012, so I’ve been reading your blog for just over three years. (But once I found it, I read A LOT of the archives. So does that count as longer? 🙂 )

    My favorite Christmas book? Just one? I think I would have to choose One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham with its gorgeous illustrations by Richard Jesse Watson. I’ve read it to my kids every Advent since my oldest was two–that makes this year 10! I also love Pearl Buck’s “Christmas Day in the Morning” and Kate Seredy’s A Tree for Peter. And this year I’m enjoying Malcolm Guite’s new book, Waiting on the Word.

    1. Kimberlee, you are so sweet. 🙂

      And I haven’t read Pearl Buck’s book–thanks for the recommendation!

      I didn’t get my order in for Malcolm’s book in time for this Advent season, but I definitely want it! Have you seen that he’s posting daily recordings of the poems on his website, accompanied by exquisite images crafted by my dear friend, Lancia Smith? Have a look: https://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/blog/

      It’s been such a gift to me this Christmas.

      1. If you can find the version of “Christmas Day in the Morning” illustrated by Mark Buehner, it is lovely (though they do edit the story a bit, especially the end).

        Also, the past two months I’ve been slowly reading through my blog from the beginning (don’t ask), and last night I discovered that in July of 2011 someone left a comment and said she’d found me through your site and I said that I loved your site and any friend of yours was a friend of mine, which means I was reading your blog at least a year and a half before I thought I was! How I happened upon it is another question…I may have to read *your* archives to figure that one out 🙂

  19. I, too, found your beautiful website through Brenda’s Coffee, Tea, Books and Me. I can’t remember when it was, but it’s been several years. Your writing is thought-provoking and your photos are lovely, so I enjoy coming here. I have many Christmas books and don’t know that I could choose a favorite, but one I reread frequently is Journey into Christmas. Thanks for introducing me to this author (and several others). I now own and have enjoyed several of Bess Streeter Aldrich’s books. I also collect Tasha Tudor books. I love her artwork and she was such a fascinating person. Thank you for sharing your life and talent with us.

    1. Juli, you are so kind. 🙂

      And “Journey Into Christmas” is so dear. My favorite story is “Bid the Tapers Twinkle Fair.”

  20. Congratulations, Lanier! I have been reading your blog for a long time. I first “met” you through YLCF website (I think that’s the right one?) a long time ago and have enjoyed your writings ever since. I am so excited about your new bookshop! My favorite Christmas book is The Old Peabody Pew by Kate Douglas Wiggin. I found a lovely, illustrated copy in a used bookstore and discovered that Kate herself had inscribed a personal note inside to a recipient (which of course makes it even more meaningful). As some other commenters have said, I also love Christmas scenes in beloved stories and have a special fondness for Little Women and Little House on The Prairie.

    1. Shelbi, I have a sweet old copy of “The Old Peabody Pew”, and I love it, too.

      What a treasure, though, to be inscribed by Kate herself!!

  21. Thank you for inviting us to share your little celebration. I first came to laniersbooks two or three years ago after listening to A Rabbit Room podcast of you and Sarah Clarkson each talking about a favourite book. I was immediately captivated… by the grace filled writing and the passion for life that I found here.

    Each Christmas Day afternoon, when the morning’s joyous welcome of the Christ Child is over, we listen to a CD of the wonderful BBC radio broadcaster, Alan Bennett, reading the “Dulce Domum” chapter from “Wind in the Willows”.

    The children’s picture books, “The Christmas Miracle of Jonathon Toomey” and “An Orange for Frankie” are perennial favourites.

    Not well-known, an out of print gem is the Canadian author, Alistair MacLeod’s novella, “To Everything There is a Season: A Cape Breton Christmas Story.” It is a tender tale of family love and is exquisitely illustrated by Peter Rankin.

      1. Judy, I do! 🙂

        I’m always happy to calculate international shipping costs, and let people know what the additional charges would be. First Class International has always been a reliable option.

        Thanks for asking!

        1. Wonderful! I will take a little time later today to browse around the bookshop.

          Also, I discovered over the weekend that there was a reprinting (in 2012) of the Alistair MacLeod book I mentioned…

    1. Judy, the “Dulce Domum” recording sounds like an enchanting tradition!

      And I just love “The Christmas Miracle of Jonathon Toomey”. Have you seen the movie? It’s really well done, in my opinion.

      Thank you for the Alistair MacLeod recommendation! I’ve never heard of it, but I love discovering new (old) Christmas stories!

  22. I love browsing your bookshop. We have so many mutual favorites. I have been popping in to your shop and blog for about three years now. My favorite Christmas book is Elizabeth Goudge’s Christmas book. For years I borrowed it from my local library, and when they wanted to weed it from the system last year because of a weak binding, they let me buy it so now I’m its proud owner.

    Your book selections are always wonderful.

    1. Thank you, Joy. 🙂

      And I adore the Elizabeth Goudge Christmas book, as well. I think my favorite is the story set in Devon during the English Civil War.

      So happy you now own the very copy that had become so dear to you.

  23. I’ve been reading here for 5-6 years… I can’t remember exactly, but it was long before I was brave enough to introduce myself at hutchmoot 2013.
    I always, always read The Gift of the Magi at Christmas– and I read it aloud if possible, to anyone who will listen to me.

  24. I’ve been inspired by your blog for about 5 years. Your writing speaks to my heart. I would have to say The Gift of the Magi is my favorite Christmas story. It’s beautiful.

    Thank you for introducing me to A Severe Mercy. I may have never known about it if it weren’t for your post about it a long while back. Now it is one of my favorite bittersweet books.

    Have a blessed, beautiful Christmas!
    ~Emily

    1. Thank you, Emily!

      I’m honored to have introduced you to so grand a book as “A Severe Mercy”! Such a treasure. 🙂

  25. How lovely to find a new post from you…and to be able to rejoice with you in your 10 years of writing! I have not been with you for that length of time, but, in the nearly five years that I have followed your blog, I have gone back and read most of the posts that you have in the headings on the right side of your home page. With each, I am always blessed with the “gift of words” that the Lord has given you…….such a balm to my poetic soul!

    I’m not sure that I can list just one favorite Christmas tale. I love so many of the books that have already been named by others…”I Saw Three Ships,” “The Sister of the Angels,” “The Old Peabody Pew,” and “On Christmas Day in the Evening.” One volume that makes a repeat appearance for me each year is “Kneeling in Bethlehem” by Ann Weems. In this collection of poems I am reminded, once again, of the anticipation and wonder and celebration of Jesus’ birth. And to read of all of the events surrounding that birth in Scripture, especially Luke’s Gospel, is great joy!

    This year I have added yet another “favorite” in Malcolm Guite’s “Waiting on the Word”. I have loved his selections for each of the days of Advent, as well as his commentary.

    Lanier, may you and your family find much joy and blessing in the richness of this wonderful Season!

    1. Thank you, dear Diane!!

      I’m glad someone mentioned “On Christmas Day in the Evening”–are you talking about the one by Grace Richmond? 🙂

      And I’m definitely adding “Kneeling in Bethlehem” to my list!

    1. Elyce! Did you see that you WON!? 🙂 Congratulations!

      And thank you for being such a faithful reader for such a long time! That means so much to me! 🙂

      1. Sorry! I have been distracted chasing a toddler all over the place! 🙂 I received your email and sent my address. Thank you so much, Lanier! And thank you most of all for your words throughout the years….they have been a steadfast encouragement.

        Elyce 🙂

  26. Hello dear Lanier!

    My favorite Christmas book is Tolkien’s The Father Christmas Letters – the childlike imagination continually delights me, and reminds me of the preciousness of loving my family and friends in creative and personal ways.

    I was introduced to your blog in Summer 2012 – and promptly read the whole archives! Your words were such a blessing to my heart, and still are.

    Have a very Merry Christmas!!!

    1. Sweet Angela–so happy to see your name pop up here.

      Excellent choice (and beautiful sentiments) on the Tolkien. He makes me want to love my people more creatively, too!

      Merry Christmas to you, too, friend! xx

  27. I’m afraid there is a lot of reading I need to catch up on, and one of those things is… discovering a favorite Christmas book. 🙂 I have read your blog for two years or so now, and caught up on many (or maybe even all of) the archives 🙂 I really enjoy reading your Christmas/advent/ and 12 Days thoughts. So, you’re my favorite. How’s that?

  28. I can’t decide between Tasha’s “Becky’s Christmas” or “The Birds’ Christmas Carol” as my favorite! I also relish various Christmas scenes from some of GLH’s books, too. As for how long I’ve been reading . . . I’m guessing probably about 3 years, and – like the commenter before me – upon discovering your blog, read the whole archives! I love to see “Lanier’s Books” pop up in my in-box. : ) Thanks for introducing me to wonderful books and authors over the years.

  29. According to my bookmarks, it was only a little over a year and a half ago that I found your blog through Brandy Vencel at Afterthoughts, but the considerable time I have spent reading through your archives makes it seem like it must have been longer ago. 🙂

    My favorite Christmas book is probably Little Women, but I am noting down all of the other titles in the comments, as I have not read many of them. I appreciate very much all of the beauty that I find here.

  30. So very difficult to pick one one title, but, “Joy of the Snow” by Elizabeth Goudge has always been a favorite. I am going to cheat and add a number 2. Having grown up collecting first editions, combined with growing up in close proximity to L.M Alcott’s home, Orchard House, I have a true love of Little Women, and that first line…”Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents!” I own a first edition of many Alcotts books including Little Women and I re-read it every year.
    I just now, learned of your site and how happy I am to have discovered it, thanks to “Take Peace”
    Wonderful titles and a lovely site. At my age, though, I do wish the font was a little bigger LOL
    Many blessings to you during this delightful season.

  31. “No Holly For Miss Quinn” by Miss Read, I stumbled across it many years ago and it introduced me to the lovely world of Miss Read.

  32. Lanier, it is dangerous that I know I can just plop books into a shopping cart here…. 🙂 I guess it helpful that I can’t have them delivered to Guadalajara. But I am going to Michigan for Christmas, so….

    Since you mentioned it, it’s brought it to mind: I do think The Bird’s Christmas Carol is one of my favorite Christmas books. We have a beautiful copy of it that belonged to my grandmother. I grew up with it, and we read it to our kids last year.

    Merry Christmas, dear!

  33. Your shop update looks lovely! The Louisa May Alcott books are so pretty. I’ve never read any books by Elizabeth Goudge, but your comments piqued my interest in her work. I have been reading your blog for about a year and discovered it through the Rabbit Room. Perhaps it’s cliche, but I love A Christmas Carol for a Christmastime read.

  34. My favorite is “Christmas Day in the Morning” by Pearl S. Buck.
    I have been a reader for longer than I can remember – including ordering some books from your “old” bookstore! I will be sure to peruse the new one.
    I did want to mention how much I enjoy your writing. You are gifted, writing eloquently in both joy and sorrow.
    Merry Christmas1

  35. I re-read “Christmas at Fairacre” (“Village Christmas,” “The Christmas Mouse,” and “No Holly for Miss Quinn”) by Miss Read every December– such an antidote to the busyness of the season!

    I have read this blog since soon after you started it, I think. I believe that I wrote you once about how I (happily) stumbled upon it. I was doing some genealogical research of my mother’s family (her maiden name was Lanier) and I saw a link to a site called “LaniersBooks”. Of course, I had to click on it and I have been delighted, inspired, and encouraged ever since!
    Merry Christmas to you and yours. I am sure there will some sadness — “firsts” after a loss are always hard — but I trust that you will be able to feel the joy and promise of Christmas, and the love and presence of your dear father.
    Nancy in Austin

  36. “Christmas” Penhaligon’s Treasury Of Verse And Prose
    I don’t remember when I stumbled upon your site, but remember
    It as being such a beautiful and rare breath of fresh air.
    Thank you.

  37. My favorite Christmas book (which isn’t technically a Christmas book) I discovered this time last year – Pilgrim’s Inn. I loved the build-up to Christmas and all the rich, symbolic images. A second favorite would be “Joy to the World”, a collection of stories and carols illustrated by Gennady Spirin.

    Thank you for hosting such a lovely giveaway!

  38. I have a collection of different Christmas books that I enjoy each year. I don’t really have a favorite. I haven’t been here lately (until now), but my daughter, Breezy, has shared your blog with me over the years. Blessings to you!

  39. The comments are now closed for the giveaway, but if you’re here after the fact, feel free to keep sharing your favorite Christmas books and stories! And thank you so much, all of you who have entered and left such kind comments and wonderful recommendations!

    I will post the winner later today!

  40. My favorite would be a stack of Christmas picture books, including most anything Jan Brett and The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree illustrated by the magnificent Barbara Cooney.

  41. Oh, I forgot to mention that I am acquainted with this site for only about 2 months. Found it on Sarah Clarkson’s site, Storyformed. Your site speaks to me as only a handful of sites do.

  42. I know the giveaway is closed but I got so many ideas for books to put on my list! 🙂 Maybe I missed seeing this one, but Peter Spier’s Christmas book is so special to me. It is a wordless picture book which I found at some secondhand store…I love it so much as it reminds me of the special scenes of childhood especially the church scenes. I also think of the Dean’s Watch by Elizabeth Goudge; what a beautiful ending full of Christmas gospel. Found you from Coffee Tea Books and Me but will be back to visit often.

  43. A little late, I would like to tell you that I have the pleasure of reading here since 2009. It sounds strange, nuts even, but: in a certain way you are part of my life. Of how I see the world. Reading your words inspires me to be more attentive to beauty in my home. To take it up a tiny notch. To love more. To be steady in my faith. Your writing makes me think about so much in my everyday life and encourages me to live it better. It’s amazing what the internet does, isn’t it? Thank you for sharing with us here!

  44. For the last two years, my secret, dearest little Christmas book has been The Pudgy Merry Christmas Book, illustrated by Mary Morgan. It is a little preschool board-book about a dear mouse family. I have it tucked into my top nightstand drawer and I take it out to read all through the year. It reminds me to love.

    My other secret heart Christmas book is Mandy, by Julie Andrews. The book is written in four sections, one for each season, and something about the owl, the snow, the fires, the significance of the gifts, the big, old house with its secrets, and the carol singing in the Winter section stay with me always.

    Also, any tattered, old book of Christmas tales that may hide a stray Eleanor Farjeon Christmas poem. Christmas Selections for Readings and Recitations, Rosamond Livingstone McNaught (1906) is my favorite of them. It tells much of the Christ-child and of faith rewarded.

    And she said: “For the sake of the Christ-child
    I give you all my store;
    For the Christ-child goes on Christmas Eve
    With blessings from door to door.

    Perchance there are some who need Him more
    With whom He is called to stay;
    He has missed my door this Christmas Eve–
    ‘Tis far up this mountain way–

    And He astray in the snowfall
    May be seeking a place to rest;
    For He is only a Kindchen,
    Like the weanling at my breast.

    She rose and went to the cupboard–
    And ’twas stored with wholesome food!
    Amazed, she sought for a fagot–
    And the basket was heaped with wood!

    She turned to the ragged stranger,
    And lo! in his humble stead
    Stood one in a shining whiteness,
    With a halo ’round his head–

    The snow beat at the casement
    Could not drown the steeple din–
    When she opened her heart to the beggar
    The Christ-child had entered in!

    (Mary Clark Huntington)

    The First Christmas Crib, Katherine Milhous (1944) for lovers of St. Francis or springerle (called Magi cakes here).

    The Christmas Cupboard, Margo Hoff (1968): another precious book for Christmas bakers (non-fiction).

    The Night Before Christmas: Tasha Tudor’s and Cyndy Szekeres’ are my favorites.

    The Christmas section of Tasha Tudor’s A Time to Keep.

    I always read one of Dickens’ Christmas stories, and have two shelves full of other Christmas favorites…I share this handful because I intend to read through all 93 comments here looking for others. 🙂

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