10 books to give this Christmas (or keep for yourself) – the ultimate Christmas gift guide

This is the bookish Christmas gift guide you've been searching for!

Not sure what to put under the tree this year? Whether you’re shopping for a thriller addict, a history buff or that relative you only see once a year, we’ve put together a list of the best books you need to give this Christmas. Read on for the ultimate bookish Christmas gift guide!

A Great Act of Love

by Heather Rose

This sweeping novel, inspired by true events, follows a fearless young woman who carries a dangerous secret from revolutionary France to colonial Tasmania. With breathtaking twists and characters you’ll fall in love with, this captivating novel is the ideal Christmas gift for book club readers and fans of immersive historical fiction.

Legacy

by Chris Hammer

Thriller lovers can’t go wrong with Chris Hammer! When a wealthy wine dynasty is rocked by a brutal death, investigative journalist Martin Scarsden is pulled into a web of corruption and violence stretching back decades. Dark, atmospheric and pacey, fans of Jane Harper and the Scrublands TV show will love this Australian crime thriller.

Rumour Has It

by Karly Lane

This heartfelt small-town romance is perfect for readers who love emotional, feel-good stories. When scandal shatters the quiet life Aubree rebuilt after divorce, the return of a long-lost romance forces old truths into the open and gives her one last chance at happiness. A lovely comfort read for romance readers.

The Hidden

by Bryan Brown

Yes, this book is by THE actor Bryan Brown and wow, you’ve never read anything like this. His unique storytelling voice puts you at the heart of this gripping story of a once-quiet coastal town that is now simmering with crime, a cocaine shipment, a deadly overdose and a predator targeting local women.

Oliphant

by Roland Perry

Did you know the scientific breakthrough that made the atomic bomb possible came from an Australian lab? A must for history lovers, Oliphant tells the extraordinary true story of Sir Mark Oliphant, the Australian physicist behind both the bomb and radar. A gripping blend of science, espionage and real Australian history, this is perfect for history lovers and spy-story fans.

Trip in a Van’s Bucket List Experiences 

by Bec & Justin Lorrimer

Wanderlust lovers, this book is for you. From remote beaches to desert roads and hidden gems, this beautiful book captures the most unforgettable bucket-list adventures across Australia. You don’t need to take on #vanlife to enjoy it… but it might make you want to.

The Australian Wars

edited by Rachel Perkins, Stephen Gapps, Mina Murray and Henry Reynolds

For readers who want real Australian history (not the politician’s version) The Australian Wars tells the confronting truth of the frontier wars that shaped this nation. Powerful, essential and long overdue, this is must-read non-fiction for fans of Dark Emu, Indigenous history and truth-seeking readers.

Just Saying

by Hugh Mackay

Got someone in the family who drops a quote into every conversation? Just Saying takes 25 famous quotes from history’s biggest minds and unpacks them in short, thoughtful reflections. This is the perfect gift for the family thinker and is sure to spark a few lively chats over lunch.

Ride On

by Michelle Payne with Angus Fontaine

Fans of inspirational Australian memoirs will love the story of Michelle Payne and what happened after she became the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup. This is a powerful story of resilience after heartbreak and devastating injury and will inspire anyone who loves true stories of overcoming life’s setbacks.

Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping

by Craig Silvey, illustrated by Sara Acton

Annie and Runt are back! At least Annie is because while the town of Upson Downs is preparing to host a grand Tournament of Champions, Runt has mysteriously vanished. With a ransom note demanding Annie win the entire competition to get her best friend back, it’s up to her and her brother Max to solve the puzzle and rescue Runt before it’s too late. This is the perfect, feel-good read for the whole family and an unforgettable children’s book gift.

You can find all these books at your favorite bookshops right now!