New Christmas Books

'Tis the season....for new holiday novels and craft books!
CRAFT BOOKS
How to Build a Gingerbread House: a step-by-step guide to sweet results by Christina Banner.  One of the nicest things about this book is that in addition to patterns for different holiday houses (St. Patrick's day, Easter, Halloween, Christmas), she offers ideas for each aspect of a gingerbread house.  You can pick and choose different elements and create an entirely new look.
Big Book of Thread Ornaments: over 100 crochet designs by Leisure Arts.  Angels, snowflakes, bells and balls, all with a delicate lace-like texture.  If you know how to crochet, you must make a snowflake ornament at least once in your life.
Fa La La La Felt: 45 handmade holiday decorations by Amanda Carestio.  I'm a sucker for felt, and these pretty little projects all use felt fabric (quick and easy to sew), instead of felted wool (adorable, but very time-consuming).  Stockings, garlands and ornaments in bright, happy colors.
A Very Beaded Christmas: 46 projects that glitter, twinkle and shine by Terry Taylor.  Projects range from adding a little festive dash to gift wrapping to elaborate beaded ornaments. If you can sew, bend wire, crochet or even glue, you can find a project here.
NOVELS
Christmas Eve in Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas.  A modern romance set in Washington, with an orphaned little girl, a lonely uncle and a grieving widow.
Christmas Mourning by Margaret Maron.  The latest mystery featuring Judge Deborah Knott and her husband, Sheriff's Deputy Dwight Bryant.
A Christmas Odyssey by Anne Perry.  It wouldn't be Christmas without a new holiday novel from acclaimed mystery author Perry.  This is her eighth novel that mixes the Victorian Christmas season with crime and suspense.
A Christmas Journey by Donna VanLiere.  This is a retelling of the Nativity story, complete with charming little watercolor illustrations by Michael Storrings.