Holiday Book Gift Ideas - 2025 Edition
A busy year is winding up, and the holiday season is upon us. For many, that means gift shopping. And even if you don’t celebrate a specific holiday, if you’re looking to do some shopping, there are plenty of sales about. Black Friday, anyone?
My clients were busy this year, so I have lots of new indie releases to tell you about!
If you like business-related nonfiction, you can check out marketing guru Veronica Romney’s Identity Marketing. It would be helpful if you’re looking to grow your brand, but even if you don’t have a brand, the book offers a glimpse into the world of marketing practices, (which are really everywhere – turn on your TV or social media, and it’s almost all marketing).
And Julie Ellis, (founder of Mabel’s Labels – IYKYK, and now a public speaker and coach for entrepreneurs), has published a companion workbook to her Big Gorgeous Goals, with exercises that can help you take your business to the next level. The books are available together or separately, but the workbook will give most benefit if you’ve read the book first.
If you’re looking for romance, Cary Anne released two spicy novels in the same series this year. Urban Seductions, which was book 2 in her “Unveiling Desires” series, was published in the spring. Book 3, Seductive Storms, released in November. The whole series is available through Amazon, or at select events – follow her for dates and locations.
If your romance tastes run a little sweeter, Elizabeth Chayse-Williams has recently released a holiday rom-com novella to accompany her “Mountmooke Bay” series. Bethany’s Parade Clause hits the shelves in time for Black Friday sales.
Crossing genres between literary coming-of-age and romance, Gretna Can’t Get Any Greener is the debut novel by L. A. Tramwell. Taking place in 1990s Israel, the book follows Vadim in his efforts to find love and avoid conscription. It shows a slice of life that most North American readers will find different to their own experience.
Liana Richmond will release Selah, a literary coming-of-age novel dealing with themes of fundamentalism and individuality, on December 26th. Selah has been brought up to expect the Apocalypse at any moment. With that expectation, how can she build a life? On Halloween, Liana also released A Maid in Armor Bright, a retelling of the 16th century book the Faerie Queene. (I didn’t edit that one, but it sounds both fun and fascinating. It’s on my TBR list.)
And for the cooks on your list, or just those interested in maintaining good health, Dr. Michelle Durkin, ND, released Apple A Day: Beginner Cookbook, featuring recipes collected in her naturopathic practice. I’ve made several of the recipes and my family love them.
For those who have been asking for the sequel to Evelyn Cazier’s Caltrys Chronicles, sadly, you’re going to need to wait longer. The young author is off on an adventure of her own, that will take up all of 2026, and into 2027. I was in touch with her before she left, and she thought she’d be able to get me the second manuscript late in 2027 (unless her adventure gives her inspiration to completely change what she’s got written already).
Kimberley D. Tait, author of the Circ de Tarot duology, has a couple of books in the works, with A History of Lightning being the closest to publication. Follow her to keep abreast of developments.
Christine Winston, author of the thrilling “Killer Signature” series, is taking some time away from writing while she furthers her studies in psychology and criminology. I can only imagine that her next books will feature even creepier killers, but the investigators are canny and dogged (as well as occasionally funny!), so I’m sure they’ll be up to the challenge. You can find the first three books in the series here.
There are at least two other books that will be coming out in the first half of 2026, but I don’t want to pressure the authors when there are so many moving parts that come before they can say “go” on publishing. But stay tuned – more information as events warrant!
Whatever your holiday plans, I wish you and your loved ones good health, good cheer, and best wishes for 2026. Happy reading!
Photo of Scrabble letters spelling “Holiday Shopping” on a dark wood surface, with a border of evergreen garland and Christmas baubles, by Sarah b, via Unsplash.
