Book For Holiday Novels & Stories

"More? You've already done so much." Callum smiled, reaching for yet another package—this one larger, rectangular, wrapped in gold paper. "This one's from a tradition in our family," he said, nodding to Oscar. "Our parents always gave us each a book on Christmas Eve, to read before bed." The package was heavy in my hands, and I opened it carefully to reveal a beautifully bound volume—a collection of winter tales from across our kingdom, illustrated with intricate drawings that seemed to shimmer on the page. "We thought we could read it together tonight," Oscar explained. "Start our own tradition of stories by the fire."

I had made a list of books I'd be reading during the break. Visiting the library was one of the things I enjoyed during the holiday. It not only enlightened me on things I didn't know, it was my refuge. A quiet, neutral space where I could think clearly. I sighed quietly, pushing back my chair with as little noise as possible, and headed toward the towering shelves. My finger glided along the spines of the books, searching for the title. The Dark Triad: Understanding the Mind of the Manipulative and Ruthless. The title had caught my attention during a lecture, and now, with everything happening in my life, it felt oddly relevant.

she asked, her voice colored by her disappointment. "Absolutely, dear! I just finished a book I think you'll adore," Mrs. Hogan said, pointing to a part of the library Katherine hadn’t explored before—an intriguing collection of unique fantasy novels that seemed to whisper of hidden adventures. With a newfound sense of excitement, Katherine dove into the unknown. As she scanned the titles, one book caught her eye; its cover illustrated a swirling nebula, a scene reminiscent of the enchanting landscapes in "The Tides of the Myrtle." It was hefty, with a worn leather cover and a gilded spine that hinted at untold wonders. She gently pulled it off the shelf, her fingers grazing the aged paper.

It’s been snowing heavily for hours. The smell of Christmas is already all over the place. Christmas trees and lights are almost everywhere. It’s the last day of school today and everyone is already trooping out of the gate for the Christmas holiday. Ever should have been on her way home but her professor has asked for her in his office the reason behind that has left her worried and confused. “I’m sure I wrote my holiday essay well. Why would professor Kade want me in his office? Dear God please I hope I’m not in trouble” she muttered as she made her way through the empty walls of the school towards his office.

--- Ayana stood in Nelson's living room in the afternoon quiet after Cat left around 2 and looked around at the space that was now, temporarily or permanently, her home. Bare walls. Careful shelves. The couch had barely been used. The kitchen with its two mugs on the table — she'd left them there deliberately, some superstition about the morning, about not erasing the evidence that something had shifted. She went to the bookshelves. Ran her fingers along the spines. Social work texts. Philosophy. History. A worn copy of *Meditations* by Marcus Aurelius with the corners bent back. A Bible — different from her father's, less used, the kind kept for reference rather than comfort.

What if there's a book 3? Thanks once again for reading! PS, if you noticed any typo or grammar error, sorry for that. It'll be edited. Merry Christmas, and Happy New year in advance!🧡 Have a great time this holiday! Roy and Renee❤️ Roynee Bella and Jason🧡 Helen and John💔

"That's what Christmas is all about, isn't it? The spirit of giving." Kiki nodded as she watched Santa pass out the gifts to the children, one by one. "It sure is." Children squealed with delight as they opened their gifts. At that moment, Kiki didn't want to be anywhere else. She and Evelyn spent the rest of the evening watching the children open gifts until they could hardly hold their eyes open. When the last gift had been passed out, Santa gathered the children around and read A Visit from St. Nicholas, better known as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. A few minutes later, Abby approached Kiki, her eyes drooping.

*Holly* Now that we were just two weeks from Christmas, the bookstore was getting crazy busy. And since I was done with school, I had started working longer hours. But it would be short lived. I had planned to make it through the holiday season with my bookstore job. I wasn’t rude enough to quit at peak busy season. But I’d just gotten confirmation this morning that I’d been accepted for a position as a teacher’s aide that I would start at the beginning of the year, after Christmas vacation was over.

The room got very quiet. "You got her a present?" Catherine asked, amused. "She's staying in my house for Christmas. Of course I got her a present." I unwrapped it carefully. Inside was a wooden bookmark, smooth and perfect, with my name carved in beautiful script along one edge. My breath caught. This was the one Sophie had seen weeks ago. The one he'd been making in secret. "It's beautiful," I whispered. "He's been working on that forever," Sophie said. "I knew it was for someone. I just didn't know it was you."