Best Christmas Books for 2008

If you're eager to know about some of the hottest Christmas books for 2008, listed below are some top picks. There are holiday novels as well as books featuring Christmas crafts, from making wreaths to decorating the tree. Children and animal lovers won't be disappointed either, with stories and books to delight them during the holiday season.

Here are my top picks:

Best Christmas Books of 2008 - fiction

It is a special treat to curl up with a good mystery or holiday romance novel, taking time from Christmas parties and festivities to have some time to unwind. If you're looking for some new books to add to your list, try these best fiction books for Christmas, 2008.

The Christmas cookie Killer- A fresh-baked mystery ($11.20)
Author: Livia J. Washburn
Summary: Phylis Newsom, retired teacher, is eager to end the year on a good note. However, she has to get through a Christmas cooking contest and solve a murder as well. Can she manage to win the contest and find the killer?
Best for: mystery lovers who also like to bake
Where to buy it: Target (starting Sept 30,2008)

Cedar Cove Christmas ($11.53)
Author: Debbie Macomber
Summary: Mary Jo Wyse comes to town on Christmas Eve, looking for the father of her baby (she is pregnant). Unfortunately, she can't find him and to to make matters even worse, she can't even find a place to stay. Readers of this one will find a story of inspiration, with romance in the air.
Best for: anyone who loves Christmas romance novels.
Where to buy it: Amazon , Barnes and Noble

Last Christmas: The Private Prequel ($11.55)
Author: Kate Brian
Summary: Ariana Osgood seems to have a charmed life, including a dreamy boyfriend and even a stellar academic record. But when she is trapped with a scamp of a guy, with her boyfriend far away, will a new romance develop?
Best for: young adults
Where to find it: Barnes and Noble, Amazon.

Best Christmas book of 2008 for children could well be....

A Very Marley Christmas ($17.99)
Author: John Grogran and Richard Cowdrey
Summary: Anyone who remembers Marley, the hero of a bestselling book, might be eager to get this book aimed at younger children. As usual, Marley gets into all sorts of mischief, this time just before Santa arrives. With the best of intentions, Marley tries to help but he can't help leaving chaos in his wake (as so many children do, too). Will things end well for Marley?
Best for: young children
Where to find it: Amazon, Target

Best Christmas books of 2008 - nonfiction

A Greener Christmas ($16.50)
Summary: As the title implies, this Christmas book focuses on how to keep holiday decorations very, very eco-friendly. Whether readers like to make Christmas wreaths or stocking - or simply want to create seasonal gifts or food, this could be the ultimate guide for having a green Christmas.
Best for: those who are into saving the environment, recycling and not consuming more of the Earth's resources than necessary.
Where to find it: Amazon and Target

Christmas with Southern Living ($19.77)
Summary: With their usual expertise, the staff of Southern Living magazine has created a brand new edition of their annual Christmas with Southern Living series. There are over 140 new recipes, including the kind of desserts, side dishes and main courses that are likely to leave Christmas visitors amazed and delighted. As you might expect, there is an emphasis on Southern traditions and style here as well as plenty of Christmas decorating and crafts projects. Need a door garland, mantle decorations or table toppers? Look for farther than this book!
Best for: readers who like to create Christmas recipes and crafts with a Southern accent.
Where to buy: Amazon

The Truth About Santa Claus: How Adults Can Join THeir Children on the Big Red Knee ($12.00)
Author: Apollo Starmule
Summary: Not for traditionalist, this book does focus on finding the meaning of Christmas but with a decidedly eclectic approach. Fun, witty and even irreverent (at times).
Best for: untraditonal sorts
Where to buy: Amazon, Target

Gooseberry Patch Christmas Book 1 ($18.45)
Author: Oxmoor House staff
Summary: Chock full of Christmas decorating, keepsake gifts, family activities, this has to be one of the best Christmas books of 2008. This volume is very reader friendly and if you like simple Christmas crafts, you'll find plenty of those here. Cooks will also discover plenty of recipes.
Best for: those who like crafts with an emphasis on country and homemade
Where to buy: Barnes and Noble

Immovable Feast: A Paris Christmas ($11.16)
Author: John Baxter
Summary: Imagine going to France and preparing a feast for a French family. Sound intimidating? That is the situation facing John Baxter, who normally spends his days as a film critic. But love and some new in-laws get him to rise to the occasion, searching for recipes and the key to finding Christmas spirit as well.
Best for: those who like to travel or love French cooking.
Where to buy: Amazon and select bookstore
Best for: cooks and those who like cooking memories

Kids in the Holiday Kitchen ($10.17)
Author: Chronicle Books
Summary: If memories of making Christmas cookies are a part of the Yuletide season for you, you could use this book to help create new traditions with your own kids. The selections are definitely easy enough for children to handle. Fun food like Christmas cupcakes or special holiday soaps are among the many projects in Kids i the Holiday kitchen.
Best for: Christmas cooking and family activities
Where to buy: Amazon