Tis the season for holiday movies on the Hallmark Channel! Maybe you’ve heard about the movie from a friend or maybe you’ve already watched it, but you want to see how the book differs from the show? Here are some books that inspired Hallmark Channel holiday movies.
ANGEL TREE by Daphne Benedis-Grab (DB 80225)
Every Christmas in the small town of Pine River, a tree appears in the town square and people tie wishes to it; but nobody knows where the tree comes from. This year, four children are determined to solve the mystery of the Angel Tree. For grades 4-7. 2014.
CALL ME MRS. MIRACLE by Debbie Macomber (DB 73685, LB 06530)
While working in the toy department of a New York City store, Mrs. Miracle meets Holly, who is searching for a robot for her nephew. Mrs. Miracle plays matchmaker for Holly and the store owner’s son Jake. Includes recipes. Sequel to MRS. MIRACLE (DB 70101). Commercial audiobook. A Hallmark Channel Original Movie. 2010.
CHRISTMAS EVE AT FRIDAY HARBOR by Lisa Kleypas (DB 72388, DBC 16819)
San Juan Island, Washington. Bachelor Mark Nolan has custody of his late sister’s six-year-old daughter Holly, who hasn’t spoken since her mother’s death. But Holly opens up for toy-store owner Maggie Conroy, a young widow who yearns for companionship, and the three slowly bond. Some descriptions of sex. 2010.
CHRISTMAS TOWN by Donna Vanliere (DB 86731)
Former foster child Lauren Gabriel is not a fan of the Christmas season, but when she witnesses a car accident, she is drawn into the small town of Grandon. She is recruited to help raise money for Glory’s Place—a center for single mothers and families in need. Commercial audiobook. 2016.
CHRISTMAS TRAIN by David Baldacci (DB 55045, BR 14463, LB 10834)
Journalist Tom Langdon takes a cross-country train from the East Coast to Los Angeles to spend Christmas with his girlfriend. On the trip he meets a host of zany characters, including one who happens to be his former lover. Sparks fly until Tom’s girlfriend shows up in Chicago. Bestseller. 2002.
DOG NAMED CHRISTMAS by Gregory D. Kincaid (DBC 01593)
Discovering that a local shelter is looking for temporary homes for their dogs over the Christmas holidays, Todd, a developmentally challenged young man, persuades his reluctant family to take in a special canine named Christmas, who teaches an entire community a lesson in the transforming power of love and goodwill. First book in the Christmas Dogs series. Followed by “Christmas with Tucker.” Unrated. 2008.
MARRY ME AT CHRISTMAS by Susan Mallery (DB 83806)
Bridal boutique owner Madeline Krug agrees to plan the Christmas wedding for a local groom whose bride is out of town. The bride’s brother, movie star Jonny Blaze, steps in to help, with romantic results. Some descriptions of sex. 2015.
MISTLETOE PROMISE by Richard Paul Evans (DB 80430, BR 20624, LB 08564)
Three years after Elise divorced her husband for cheating, another holiday season rolls around, sending her into a funk. Then Nicholas Derr approaches her in the food court where they both eat and offers a contract in which they pretend to be in a relationship. Neither expects the consequences. Bestseller. A Hallmark Original Movie. 2014.
SILVER BELLS: A HOLIDAY TALE by Luanne Rice (DB 59402, BR 15767)
Widowed Canadian farmer Christopher Byrne journeys to New York City every December to sell Christmas trees. Last year his teenaged son stayed on to pursue a photography career. Manhattan librarian Catherine Tierney buys her trees from Chris and looks out for the boy. Love is soon in the air. 2004.
TRADING CHRISTMAS by Debbie Macomber (DB 73827, BT 13340)
Widowed Emily Spring of Leavenworth, Washington, swaps houses with Charles Brewster of Boston for Christmas. Meanwhile, Emily’s friend Faith travels to Leavenworth to visit her and Charles’s brother Ray shows up at the house in Boston. Unexpected romances ensue in both locations. Commercial audiobook. A Hallmark Channel Original Movie. 2011.