This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Last week we brought you the first half of our Christmas wish list. But, of course, where books are concerned we cannot just leave it at a mere five. Now we've started looking we just can't stop; there are plenty more lovely novels we'd like to find in our stockings this year (if you please, Father Christmas.)
1. The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton – There have been such wonderful things said and written about Jessie Burton's debut novel that I would love to read it myself. On her website she describes it as focusing "on two women’s very different journeys to find a slice of freedom in a repressive, judgmental society". It is set in 1686 in Amsterdam. Nella Oortman is 18 and has arrived at the wealthiest quarter of the city to become the wife of illustrious merchant trader, Johannes Brandt. Her wedding gift from Johannes is a cabinet-sized replica of their home containing tiny creations, which mirror their real life counterparts. Waterstones has named the novel its Book of the Year 2014 and has a stunning exclusive edition available. Check out Jessie's blog too, which describes her road to publication.
2. The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters – Another hardback (they make fabulous Christmas presents), and again, another special limited and signed edition from Waterstones. Perfect for fans of Sarah Waters and, in this era of technology, there is something rather wonderful about a gorgeous, sumptuous hardback on the bookshelf. Set in 1922 in London, Mrs Wray and her daughter are obliged to take in lodgers.
3. The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain – Out in paperback in January, or already in hardback, Susan would love this for Christmas, or book vouchers so she could buy it herself in January! This is the story of Riley who has spent her life believing her sister committed suicide as a teenager. Now her father has died, however, she finds evidence to suggest her sister is alive.4. It's Not Me, It's You by Mhairi McFarlane – Cesca would really like this in her Santa sack. Delia Moss thinks everything is her fault. When she discovers her boyfriend was sleeping with someone else. When she realises life will never be the same again. But somewhere along the line she begins to think, maybe it is not her after all.
5. The Monogram Murders by Sophie Hannah – Again, another special edition, this is Poirot written by Sophie Hannah instead of Agatha Christie. As Poirot was killed off in Curtain, this will be an episode from earlier in Poirot's life. The novel will be told from the perspective of a policeman who asks for Poirot's involvement in a case.
What books would you like to receive this Christmas?