Holiday Gift Guide for the Book Lovers on Your List

Featuring Books for the Sports Fan, Baker, Cook, Mystery Lover and Kids

Books to Inspire Young Sports Fans

He Shoots; He Scores! A Look at Auston Matthews: A Life in Hockey by Toronto Star Reporter Kevin McGran

Hockey fans can learn about the life of famed hockey player Auston Matthews in a new book called Auston Matthews: A Life in Hockey written by veteran Toronto Star sports reporter Kevin McGran.

The unauthorized biography is a definitive look at Matthew’s beginnings in Arizona where he first witnessed hockey as a young boy. Matthews pursued his love of hockey and was the first overall entry draft pick in 2016 and shocked the league by scoring four goals in his NHL debut!

McGran takes readers behind the scenes with interviews with coaches, teammates, rivals and friends.

Auston Matthews: A Life in Hockey by Kevin McGran, Copyright © 2025 by Kevin McGran, Published by Simon & Schuster. Cover photo credit: Simon & Schuster Canada. Author photo credit: Kevin McGran (author).

We the Raptors: 30 Players, 30 Stories, 30 Years by Eric Smith and Andrew Bricker with Foreword by Kyle Lowry

This year (2025) marks the 30^th anniversary of the Toronto Raptors and this new book celebrates the stories behind Canada’s NBA team through exclusive interviews with current and former Raptors. We the Raptors: 30 Players, 30 Stories, 30 Years is written by longtime Raptors radio voice Eric Smith and writer Andrew Bricker as they take readers into the locker rooms to share personal, behind-the-scenes stories. Through in-depth interviews and research, each story beautifully captures the energy, passion, excitement and commitment to the game of basketball.

We the Raptors: 30 Players, 30 Stories, 30 Years by Eric Smith and Andrew Bricker, copyright © 2025 by Eric Smith and Andrew Bricker. Published by Simon & Schuster Canada. Eric Smith photo by Jack Victor, Rogers. Andrew Bricker photo by Wibke Schniedermann.

Rock Star: My Life on and Off the Ice by Jennifer Jones

From her childhood days at the Winnipeg curling club to her Olympic dream, Jennifer Jones is known as one of Canada’s greatest curling champions who, as stated in the book synopsis, “kicked open doors to allow women to have equality in what was, traditionally, a male-dominated sport.”

In her memoir Rock Star: My Life on and Off the Ice, Jones talks about the tensions between teammates and opponents, how she combined law school and a legal career with her beloved sport of curling, dealing with being in the media spotlight, and how her Olympic dream almost ended on a ski hill in Switzerland. Rock Star will leave readers in awe of the accomplishments of legendary curler Jennifer Jones.

Mysteries and Suspense Novels –Every one a Page Turner!

The Woman in Suite 11: A Novel by Ruth Ware

This is the follow up novel to the multi-million copy mega book the Woman in Cabin 10 written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ruth Ware. In her latest novel, journalist Lo Blacklock returns to attend the opening of a luxury hotel in Europe owned by reclusive billionaire Marcus Leidmann. The Swiss chateau on Lake Geneva is a luxurious retreat, until Lo unexpectedly meets with a long-time acquaintance who claims to be Marcus’s mistress and is in danger.

This thrilling novel is filled with twists and turns which will have readers guessing to the very end.

She Didn’t See It Coming by Shari Lapena

If you like a good thriller or whodunit, you’ll have trouble putting this cleverly written novel down. She Didn’t See It Coming by Shari Lapena is a thrilling page turner about a family who appear to have it all—a luxury apartment, thriving careers, great friends and a beautiful young daughter. Then one mishap happens, and their “perfect life” turns into chaos.

Bryden Frost is a 30-something Mom who doesn’t show up to pick up her child at daycare. Police are called in for a missing person report that in short order turns into something much more serious. Can police find her before it’s too late?

The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb

It’s easy to see why The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb is an instant New York Times Bestseller, a USA Today Bestseller and an Oprah’s Book Club Pick.

The River is Waiting revolves around Corby Ledbetter, a young father with toddler twins who recently lost his job and is struggling to find work. He’s also hiding a secret addiction. And then tragedy strikes, tearing Corby’s family apart when Coby is sent to prison. The characters jump off the page in a book that’s hard to put down. Nearing an end to his prison sentence, Corby wonders if his wife Emily can ever forgive him. Can he ever forgive himself?

Design and Coffee Table Books

Escapolody: Modern Cabins, Cottages and Retreats by Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan

Design legends Colin & Justin have done it again! The talented interior designer duo have created the gorgeous hardcover Escapolody: Modern Cabins, Cottages and Retreats, which illustrates their passion for beautiful getaway places. The book is a Globe and Mail Canadian Nonfiction Bestseller with good reason.

Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan have hosted numerous top TV shows, including How Not to Decorate, Colin & Justin’s Home Heist, and Cabin Pressure. Escapolody explores the relationship between architecture, design and our love of escaping into nature. The book showcases several cabins and cottages, including the “Air Ship 002” permanently grounded glass front cabin in the Scottish Highlands; The Backcountry Hut in Vancouver; a Modern Family Retreat in Haliburton, The Treehouse in Durham, and two of their own properties, including Plan B-The Rental Renovation Cabin in Haliburton and Sucker Lake Cabin. The design duo discusses design styles, cabin/cottage ownership, on or off the grid, winterized or non-winterized options and more. Escapolody is the perfect coffee table when you want a little “escapism” on a cold winter’s day.

Escapolody: Modern Cabins, Cottages and Retreats by Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan. Copyright © 2020 Collin McAllister and Justin Ryan. Book design by Jessica Sullivan. Author’s photos by Jeremy Kohn, Great Canadian Cottages/Cottage Life. Cover photo courtesy of The Backcountry Hut Company. Published by Figure 1 Publishing.

Made For Living: Collected Interiors for All Sorts of Styles by Amber Lewis

Made For Living: Collected Interiors for All Sorts of Styles is a national bestseller written by Amber Lewis, a trendsetting designer who is known for her effortless style, as she shares secrets on the art of layering and liveable home design, highlighted with more than 250 photos of her signature interiors. As the synopsis states, “Designing a room with all the vibes comes down to how you layer your décor. The more you can mix the elements of your room—your pillows, objects, patterns, and lighting—the more finished it will feel; not too new, not too old, but just right.”

From friendly advice on everything from finding the perfect paint colour, the power of colour and The Art of the Update (tips to update your space without renovating), this book will inspire you to design a home that’s meant to be lived in and enjoyed.

Made for Living: Collected Interiors for All Sorts of Styles by Amber Lewis. Copyright © 2020 Amber Lewis. Photography © by Tessa Neustadt. Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

New York Street Diaries by Phil Penman

This stunningly beautiful book takes us to New York City through the eyes of renowned photographer Phil Penman. It’s a hefty coffee table-sized book that’s filled with awe-inspiring black and white photos of street scenes of New York. From scenic images of Central Park and café tables and chairs in Madison Square Park, to photos of iconic buildings like Radio City Music Hall, Penn Station and the Empire State Building, to thought-provoking “people” photos that capture the true essence of the city, this gorgeous hardcover will be treasured for years to come.

New York Street Diaries by Phil Penman, Copyright © 2023 teNeues Verlag GmbH, 2^nd Printing. Photographs © 2023, Phil Penman, Curated by Lou Proud, Text by Matt Seaton. Published by teNeues Publishing Group.

Home for Christmas Around the World by teNeues Publishing Group

This book is perfect for people who absolutely love Christmas, as well as world travellers. Home for Christmas Around the World shows how people around the world celebrate the holidays. Chapters include Festive Fair in London, Christmas in the Mountains, A Colorful Christmas in Sweden, Christmas in Byron Bay (Australia), A Cozy Christmas in Belgium, A Country Chic Christmas in Sarzana (Italy), Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere and Christmas Peace and Pastel Poetry in Denmark. Mixed in are DIY inspired chapters on Decorating the Outdoors; Fir Greenery, Twigs and Cones-Decorating with Plants, plus chapters on Traditions and a Foodie Christmas. There’s even a section on Christmas Trees Around the World. This book may inspire readers to add a few new ideas to your holiday traditions, and it will certainly be treasured for many years to come.

Home for Christmas Around the World © teNeues, an imprint of Die Gestalten Verlag GmbH & Co. Editorial Coordination by Nadine Weinhold.

Books for Kids

The Darkest Dark: Glow-in-the-Dark Cover Edition by Chris Hadfield, Illustrated by Eric and Terry Fan (Ages 3-5)

This internationally bestselling picture book, written by astronaut Chris Hadfield, has a glow-in-the-dark cover! Inspired by Hadfield’s childhood and brought to life by New York Times bestselling creators Terry and Eric Fan’s spectacular illustrations, Hadfield shares his love of rockets and planets as he pretends to be a brave astronaut exploring the universe. There’s only one problem—Chris is afraid of the dark. But when he watches the groundbreaking moon landing on TV, he realizes that space is the darkest there is, but the dark is also beautiful and exciting for a young boy who dreams of becoming an astronaut.

The Big Red Book of Munsch Books by Robert Munsch, Illustrated by Michael Martchenko (Ages 3 plus)

Every child loves Robert Munsch stories! Now you will find a collection of favourite Munsch stories in the must-have Big Red Book of Munsch Books. The collection includes Pigs, Angela’s Airplane, Wait and See, The Fire Station, Jonathan Cleaned Up-Then He Heard a Sound, as well as a letter from the author Robert Munsch. Featuring imaginative illustrations by Michael Martchenko to accompany the enormously popular stories, this book will be read at bedtime for many, many nights to come as kids beg for “one more story?” A great Christmas gift for kids and grandchildren of all ages.

The Big Red Book of Munsch Books, by Robert Munsch. Copyright © Robert Munsch, Illustrations by Michael Martchenko. Published by Annick Press Ltd.

Anne of Green Gables for Young Readers, Adapted by Deirdre Kessler, Art by Briana Corr Scott (Ages 6 plus)

This beautiful book is an updated edition of Deirdre Kessler’s bestselling illustrated adaptation of the classic Anne of Green Gables, featuring new colour illustrations from celebrated artist Briana Corr Scott. Anne Shirley is one of the most loved literary characters, created by author Lucy Maud Montgomery in her beloved book Anne of Green Gables. But Anne has a hot temper and is known for being impulsive, melodramatic, and accident-prone. Anne’s classic adventures come to life for a whole new generation in this adaptation.

Anne of Green Gables for Young Readers, adapted by Deirdre Kessler, Copyright text © 2025 Deirdre Kessler, Heirs of L.M. Montgomery Inc. Copyright illustrations © 2025 Briana Corr Scott. Published by Nimbus Publishing Limited.

Cookbooks

Every Salad Ever: From Grains to Greens and Pasta to Beans Plus Every Salad in Between by Greta Podleski

Written by Canadian Greta Podleski, author of five #1 National Bestselling Cookbooks, including her smash hit Yum & Yummer: Ridiculously Tasty Recipes That’ll Blow Your Mind, But Not Your Diet, this is a must-have book that anyone would love to receive as a gift.

Greta and her sister Janet also co-authored four blockbuster bestselling cookbooks, including Looneyspoons, Crazy Plates, Eat, Shrink & Be Merry, and The Looneyspoons Collection, with combined sales of over two million copies!

Every Salad Ever: From Grains to Greens and Pasta to Beans Plus Every Salad in Between takes salad to new levels as we step away from the idea that salad is just a summertime dish to embrace salads year-round. Chapters include Grainy Goodness, Greens Galore, Pasta Palooza, The Bean Scene, The Classics, The In-Betweens, and The Embellishments.

From Asian Beef Noodle Salad, Loaded Italian Pasta Salad and Tuscan Tuna & White Bean Salad to festive holiday favourites like Turkey, Cranberry & Pecan Salad, you will want to pick up a copy or two as gifts, and one for yourself as well!

In Mary’s Kitchen by Mary Berg: Stress-Free Recipes for Every Home Cook

TV Host, Celebrity judge and cookbook author Mary Berg invites us into her kitchen to share her easy, yet delicious recipes in her latest book In Mary’s Kitchen: Stress-Free Recipes for Every Home Cook. Chapters include Eggs & Things; Veg & Starch; Pasta; Chicken, Beef, Pork & Lamb; Fish; Sweets and Basics. From dishes like Chipotle Breakfast Burritos and Freeze & Fry Sausages for breakfast to mouthwatering main dishes and even desserts, Mary’s recipes are as innovative and awe-inspiring as they are delicious. A great book for home cooks. From beginners to advanced foodies, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful book that you will reach for repeatedly.

Let’s Cook by Buddy Oliver: Fun, Easy Recipes for Kids

It’s no surprise that young Buddy Oliver loves to cook—after all, his father is Jamie Oliver! We often see Buddy assisting his famous father on his wildly popular TV cooking shows. Let’s Cook is Buddy’s first cookbook in which he shares his favourite recipes geared to encouraging other kids to learn to cook. Chapters include Breakfast and Brunch; Family Favourites; Eat the Seasons; I Love Pasta; After-School Bites and Sweet Treats. Buddy even shares his knife skills for kids and helpful kitchen tips. And of course, there is a foreword by proud father Jamie Oliver. A few must-try recipes include Quick and Easy Pizzas, Grilled Chicken Lollipops, Mini Quiches and Rocky Road Squares.

Baking

Sally’s Baking 101: Foolproof Recipes from Easy to Advanced by Sally McKenney

Sally McKenney is the creator of the hugely popular website Sally’s Baking Addiction (known as Sally’s Baking). In the gorgeous hardcover Sally’s Baking 101, McKenny shares 101 delicious and tasty recipes from simple bakes like Thick & Fudgy Brownies and Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits with Spicy Honey Butter to company-worthy Eggs Benedict Breakfast Casserole and classics like Apple Pie and The Focaccia of Your Dreams.

Sally’s Baking 101, Copyright © 2025 Sally McKenney, recipes and photography by Sally McKenny; recipes co-written with Beth Walk. Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, an imprint of Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

The 3-Ingredient Baking Book: 101 Simple, Sweet & Stress-Free Recipes by Charmian Christie

At this time of year, close to the holidays, well, any time of year, what we need is a simple, stress-free baking book, and we’ve found it in The 3-Ingredient Baking Book by Charmian Christie.

Christie is the creator of the blog The Messy Baker, and in her new book, she shares 101 delicious and easy-to-follow recipes. In no time at all you will be able to wow your family with Whoopie Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches, Quick Chocolate Mousse, Maple Popcorn, Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies and more. Beginner to expert cooks will celebrate the joy of being able to make something homemade that’s easy to make, yet yields bakery results. It’s hard to imagine you can make brownies with just three ingredients, yet Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies are made with just hazelnut spread, eggs, and less than a cup of flour! Chapters include Bars & Squares; Cakes, Muffins & Quick Breads; Pastries, Pies & Tarts; Chocolate; Fruit; Creamy Things; Candyland; Cold Things and Sauces & Toppings.

The 3-Ingredient Baking Book by Charmian Christie, text copyright © 2019 Charmian Christie, photographs copyright © 2019 Lauren Miller, cover and text design copyright © 2019 by Publisher Robert Rose Inc.

Books are a gift that keep on giving well after the Christmas season is over.

reviews by Laurie Wallace-Lynch

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