This holiday season, treat yourself to not only good food, but also great books. From a Christmas classic to a gripping murder-mystery, to romance, these books will keep you engaged and warm during the break, whether you travel or stay at home. Bundle up, find a cozy place and enjoy!

“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens

Hot tea and cookies, that’s what “A Christmas Carol” will remind you of. Set in nineteenth century Britain, the novel follows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an old miser, as he discovers the true spirit of Christmas. One night, Scrooge sees the ghost of his business partner Marley. The ghost warns Scrooge to change his stingy ways. With the help of three ghosts — the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet To Come — Scrooge realizes the good in helping others and being caring. Scrooge’s metamorphosis will make you feel warm on the inside, as if you had just drunk a cup of hot tea. The timelessness of the story and its endearing characters reinforce its status as a Christmas classic.

“Murder on the Orient Express” by Agatha Christie

“Murder on the Orient Express,” a mystery by Agatha Christie, will remind you of building a gingerbread house; there are many pieces to put together, and the end result looks very different than what you started with. Set in the early 1900s, the story follows passengers on the Orient Express, a train traveling to London, who witness the murder of Mr. Ratchett. Hercule Poirot, a private detective, is taxed with uncovering the murderer. Poirot eventually solves the crime, but not without interrogation of all 12 passengers. There are many details that make this classic compelling: the confined setting of the train held-up because of a storm, the eccentric characters and more. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat and will leave you in awe at the ending, when all is revealed.

“Let It Snow” by Maureen Johnson, John Green and Lauren Myracle

“Let It Snow” is a collection of three short, romantic stories, all of which revolve around a Waffle House restaurant in a small town in North Carolina. Just like its setting, this collection of stories will remind you of warm waffles with maple syrup and butter, heartwarming and sweet. The story starts with a train blocked by a major winter storm on Christmas Eve. The Waffle House acts as the only place of refuge nearby for train passengers, and people slowly trickle in. The three separate journeys end in a convenient gathering at a neighboring Starbucks, where all three romantic journeys culminate into one. The ending leaves you with the same type of satisfaction that warm waffles give you. This book is great for a casual read and reminds readers of the magic of the holidays.