2025 Christmas Book List
Dec 05, 2025
Good morning!
Winter has officially settled in here in Arizona (yes, even we get those crisp, cozy nights where the fireplace is calling my name). This is my absolute favorite time of year to slow down just a little, curl up under a soft blanket with a steaming cup of tea (or hot cocoa if I’m feeling extra indulgent), and dive into a great book. There’s something magical about letting the quiet of winter fuel big dreams for the year ahead, especially when it comes to growing our businesses and our faith.
Every December and January, I get the sweetest flood of messages asking, “Michelle, what books should I read to level-up my short-term rental business, my bookkeeping, my investing, or just my life?” My answer is always the same: There are SO many life-changers!
So grab your favorite warm drink, pull that blanket a little tighter, and let me share the books that have truly shaped my journey in real estate investing, entrepreneurship, Profit First living, and, most importantly, walking closer with Jesus every single day. I've linked them in RED to Amazon if you'd like to add them to your Book Wishlist (if you don't have one, you need one).
Here’s my updated winter reading list—from my heart (and very full bookshelf) to yours:
Real Estate Investing & Short-Term Rentals
- The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner – How to create wealth and passive income through rentals (a classic I wish I’d read sooner!).
- Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth by Avery Carl – Practical, no-fluff advice specifically for the Airbnb/VRBO world.
- The Wealthy Renter by Alex Avery – Flips the script on why renting can actually build more wealth than owning (great perspective!) for our Canadian friends.
- My own go-to: Profit First for Real Estate Investing by David Richter – Because cash flow is queen in this business!
Business, Systems & Entrepreneurship
- Profit First by Mike Michalowicz – The system that saved my businesses and lets me sleep at night.
- Clockwork by Mike Michalowicz (can you tell I'm a fan yet?) – How to design your business to run itself (perfect for us freedom-loving entrepreneurs).
- Atomic Habits by James Clear (Read this every year in January, as a refresh) – Tiny changes, massive results, especially helpful when the Arizona winter sun tempts you to procrastinate.
- Traction by Gino Wickman (I'm a HUGE fan of any Wickman book!) – The EOS system that keeps NSTRA and Beach Bum Bookkeepers running smoothly.
Leadership & Team Building
- Radical Candor by Kim Scott – Be a kick-ass boss without losing your heart (or your team).
- Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek (still enjoying that carrot souffle recipe I got from Simon!) – Building circles of safety in your company and your community.
Faith, Purpose & Walking with Jesus
- The Bible – Still my #1, read every morning with my colored highlighters (yellow for promises, pink for commands, orange when He wrecks me in the best way).
- Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund – The tender heart of Christ for sinners and sufferers—life-changing.
- The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer – How to spiritually thrive in our crazy busy world.
- Redeeming Money by Paul David Tripp – Faith-centered wisdom on money, generosity, and trusting God with our finances.
- The Veil by Blake K Healy – Blake's books move me closer to God, make me laugh out loud, and cry tears of joy more than any other books. I just love this guy!
Bonus Feel-Good Winter Reads (because we all need a little joy)
- Anything by Lysa TerKeurst or Priscilla Shirer when I need encouragement and truth spoken like a best friend.
- A cozy Christian fiction novel with snow on the cover—because sometimes escape is holy too!
Note: You can go to our Our Favorite Books page to find even more great reads!
You can grab any of these on Amazon (use Mickey's House affiliate links if you can, full disclosure!), Audible (my personal favorite while I work out or drive across the Valley), or better yet, support your local Christian bookstore or indie shop.
There you have it! My winter “curl up and grow” reading list! These books have poured Rocket Fuel (pun absolutely intended!) on my businesses, my investing, my marriage, my parenting, and most of all, my relationship with Jesus.
Now I’d love to hear from YOU: What are you reading this winter that’s lighting up your world?
Drop us a line so we can update this list and all of us can add it to our nightstands!
Stay warm, stay inspired, and keep building the life God’s calling you to page by page.
With love and a whole lot of hot tea,
Michelle Russell
