There’s nothing quite like a good book to escape the chaos of Christmas, and now’s the time to start prepping for the season.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect present for the book lover in your life, choosing something to curl up with during the quiet days between celebrations or simply adding to your own wish list, our Good Books Christmas Collection is full of irresistible lifestyle gems, memorable memoirs and inspiring cookbooks.
Chosen with the help of our Good Housekeeping VIP panel, these are the best non-fiction books of the year, guaranteed to brighten the festive season.
Cookbooks
Home Made: Comfort Food Cooked Better by Thom Bateman (Harper NonFiction)
With food photos so irresistible you want to lick the page, the panel loved this collection of easy but impressive recipes.
‘I had a hard time deciding what to cook first as everything looked so good,’ said a panellist.
The Brownie Book by Kate Jenkins (DK)
No one could resist this decadent cookbook from the founder of Gower Cottage Brownies.
‘I’ve already baked several batches of the cookie dough brownie and I can’t wait to try more recipes,’ said one of the panel.
The Riverford Cookbook: Easy Evenings by Riverford Organic Farmers (Carnival)
Our reviewers found lots to inspire them in this veg-focused cookbook.
‘This promises that nothing takes longer than 40 minutes – and it actually delivered,’ said a VIP.
The Riverford Cookbook: Easy Evenings
The Riverford Cookbook: Easy Evenings
Lifestyle
My Gardening Life by Mary Berry (DK)
She might be best known for her baking, but Mary Berry is also a keen gardener and this gorgeous book, a photographic ode to her gardens and most-loved plants, was a unanimous winner with our VIPs.
‘This is such a beautiful book to gently flick through,’ said one reviewer. ‘I found lots of inspiration.’
Skin Rules by Caroline Hirons (HQ)
This guide to skincare from guru of glow Caroline Hirons was a hit across the age groups in our panel, from those in their 20s to seventysomethings.
‘I’ve completely changed the skincare products I use thanks this book,’ said one VIP.
William Morris & His Gardens by Gavin Francis Stoneystreet (Yale University Press)
Our reviewers loved this stunning coffee table book exploring William Morris’ favourite gardens and how they influenced his work.
‘I’ve long admired William Morris but it was fascinating to find out more about him,’ said a panellist.
William Morris & His Gardens by Gavin Francis Stoneystreet
William Morris & His Gardens by Gavin Francis Stoneystreet
Biography/Memoir
Black Coffee And Red Lipstick by Alexandra Shulman (Mitchell Beazley)
Former Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman’s guide to living well was loved by the panel for its wisdom and warmth.
‘This is the perfect book to dip into: witty, interesting and thoughtful takes on everything from motherhood to grey hair,’ said one reviewer.
Black Coffee And Red Lipstick by Alexandra Shulman
Black Coffee And Red Lipstick by Alexandra Shulman
A British Childhood: How Our Children Live Now by Frank Cottrell-Boyce (Picador)
Our VIPs enjoyed this memoir, which mixes memories from the younger years of the Children’s Laureate with thought-provoking commentary on modern childhoods.
‘Everyone should read this book,’ said one panellist.
A British Childhood by Frank Cottrell-Boyce
A British Childhood by Frank Cottrell-Boyce
Man & Dog: A Love Story by Tony Parsons (DK Red)
When novelist Tony Parsons bought a cavalier King Charles spaniel puppy for his daughter, it was the start of a love affair that he chronicles in this moving memoir.
‘I had tears in my eyes reading this as it’s just so lovely,’ said one VIP.
How we chose our Christmas Collection
From a longlist brimming with brilliant books submitted by publishers, our judges narrowed down a shortlist.
These were sent to our panel of more than 300 VIP Members, whose ages range from 23 to 76. They filled in feedback forms and scored each title to help us determine the most popular books.
How to buy the books
Look out for the Good Books logo in all good bookshops. You can buy each of these titles from Bookshop.org (via your local bookshop) with a 10% discount using the code LOVEBOOKSHOPS.
Love reading?
Join our panel of VIP Members to receive free books to review and help us choose the next Collection of books. Sign up at ghmembers.co.uk.
