I love to read just as much as I love to write. Even more than that, I love to give the gift of books to others, especially at Christmas. Need a book for someone on your list? Check out some of my suggestions, which are a mix of books that I’ve read and liked, those that I want to read, or those that I’ve given as gifts in the past:

ROMANCE:

I absolutely adore Lisa Kleypas’ contemporary romances, and she has a new one out with a holiday theme, Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor. It’s a little short for the hardcover price, but the story is sweet, and it would make a great pre-holiday gift, especially if you’re planning a holiday visit before Christmas day.

For the western romance fan, check out Marry Me by Jo Goodman. This historical romance is set in Colorado and focuses on a doctor and the mountain girl that he loves. For those who like contemporary westerns, Linda Lael Miller is a good bet. Her latest trilogy, which focuses on three brothers, starts with McKettricks of Texas: Tate.

Romantic suspense author Roxanne St. Claire has launched her new Guardian Angelinos series with Edge of Sight. For a mix of historial romance and action, check out the Blades of the Rose series by Zoe Archer, starting with Warrior.

FANTASY: 

If you like epic fantasy, consider The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch, which focuses on a group of clever thieves. Lynch has two more books coming out in 2011, so now would be a great time to start reading him.

For a mix of fantasy and noir, try The Sword-Edged Blonde by Alex Bledsoe, which is about a private investigator who gets caught up in a royal scandal. And don’t forget Lisa Shearin’s Magic Lost, Trouble Found, which features a great heroine.

For a mix of authors and stories, check out Songs of Love and Death, which features tales by Neil Gaiman and Jim Butcher, among others.

MYSTERIES AND THRILLERS:

When it comes to thrillers, you can’t go wrong with Lee Child. Check out his latest Jack Reacher novel, Worth Dying For. John Sandford is another solid choice, especially his Prey series, which includes Storm Prey.

A good bet when it comes to mysteries is the late Robert B. Parker and his Spenser series about a tough guy, wise-cracking Boston private investigator. The latest title in that series is Painted Ladies.

YOUNG ADULT:

One of the best books that I read this year was Beastly by Alex Flinn. It’s a modern-day retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale from the Beast’s point of view.

If you haven’t read Suzanne Collins yet, start with The Hunger Games, which is about kids who are forced to fight to the death on national television. It’s just flat-out excellent. For another YA book with a strong heroine, check out Graceling by Kristin Cashore.

If you’re searching for some new YA authors to try, the Kiss Me Deadly anthology is a good place to start.

AND ONE MORE THING:

Okay, okay, so they aren’t exactly books, but these sparkly Swarovski pens would make a great gift for the author in your life or anyone who still loves to pen handwritten notes.

What about you guys? Which books are you giving or hoping to receive this Christmas? Share in the comments.