30 Best Books to Read Around Christmas this Year
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Are you looking for the perfect holiday escape? Whether you’re in the mood for heartwarming historical fiction, pulse-pounding thrillers, or romantic reads, discover the best books to transport you into the magic and mystery of the Christmas season.
The holiday season is the perfect time to snuggle up with a great read that captures Christmas time’s warmth, wonder, and nostalgia—or to dive into thrilling stories that keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you’re dreaming of bright lights, a winter wonderland, cozying up with a cup of cocoa by the Christmas tree, or unraveling a spine-chilling mystery by the fire, this list has something for everyone. From contemporary treasures overflowing with festive cheer to gripping thrillers set against the backdrop of the holidays, these books will transport you to a world of true love, heartfelt family moments, and suspenseful twists that make the season unforgettable.
Happy Reading!
If you’re looking for all the upcoming books, take a look at
Heartwarming Romantic Reads for Christmas Cheer
In a Holidaze
by Christina Lauren
The Merry Matchmaker
by Sheila Roberts
Frankie Lane is the merry matchmaker of the small town of Christmas Cove. She knows what’s best for everyone except herself. When her matchmaking skills end in disaster, she turns to her friend Mitch Howard for support. Little does Frankie know that Mitch has secretly been in love with her for years and is waiting for the right time to make his move.
One Day in December
by Josie Silver
The Wedding Witch
by Erin Sterling
When Bowen Penhallow, a loner witch, and Tamsyn Bligh, a human procurer of magical items, find themselves accidentally transported back in time during a haunted wedding, they must work together to find a way back to the present while also facing off against the origins of the haunting and potential romantic feelings for each other.
Merry and Bright
by Debbie Macomber
Despite being surrounded by loved ones, Merry can’t help but feel something is missing in her life. Her social life has taken a backseat to her other responsibilities, and she’s resigned herself to not having time for romance. However, that all changes when her well-meaning family sets up an online dating profile for her without her knowledge.
The Christmas Fix
by Lucy Score
As a single dad and the town manager, Noah Yates takes his responsibilities seriously. But when a hurricane hits Merry just before Christmas, he is left scrambling to pick up the pieces and keep his town from falling apart. Enter Cat King, a home renovation expert and reality TV star with a camera crew and a big budget. Despite her intentions to help, Noah sees her as nothing more than a celebrity diva trying to capitalize on their tragedy. But Cat is determined to prove him wrong and show that she’s more than a pretty face.
Save for Later
The Wake-Up Call
by Beth O‘Leary
Izzy and Lucas, two rival hotel receptionists, are forced to work together during the busiest time of the year when they find a collection of lost wedding rings. As they race against time to return the rings and save their beloved hotel from closure, they discover a surprising connection and must confront their feelings for each other.
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year
by Ally Carter
Two rival mystery writers, Maggie and Ethan, are thrown together at a Christmas house party hosted by their biggest fan, who happens to be the best mystery writer in the world. When their host disappears from a locked room, they must put aside their animosity and work together to solve the case before it’s too late. As clues lead them closer to the truth, Maggie and Ethan also find themselves unexpectedly drawn to each other.
How My Neighbor Stole Christmas
by Meghan Quinn
Cole and Storee’s holiday rivalry turns into a fake relationship that becomes real as they compete in the town Christmas Kringle contest, only to have someone try to ruin it all on the night of the competition. As they navigate their complicated relationship and the intense competition, Cole and Storee must also confront a past they share and decide if love is worth fighting for during the most magical time of the year.
All I Want for Christmas
by Karen Swan
As Christmas approaches, newly single Darcy is on a mission to identify an unknown portrait by Denmark’s greatest painter while navigating three first dates set up by her best friend and trying not to fall for the sexy, arrogant lawyer Max Lorensen, who happens to be one of her potential dates. Despite their instant attraction, Darcy knows it would be unprofessional to pursue anything with him while they work together on the portrait project.
Contemporary Holiday Magic Reads
The Santa Suit
by Mary Kay Andrews
Newly divorced Ivy Perkins is looking for a fresh start when she purchases an old farmhouse named The Four Roses. She soon realizes that the previous family left behind more than just furniture – there are also secrets and mysteries to unravel. When Ivy discovers an old Santa suit with a heartfelt note from a little girl, it sets her on a mission to find out who wrote the note and whether her wish was ever granted.
Christmas in Peachtree Bluff
by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Christmas is a time for family and tradition in the charming coastal town of Peachtree Bluff. But when the Murphy sisters return home for the holidays, they never imagined what chaos would ensue. As a major storm approaches, the sisters must unite to save their town and navigate through unexpected family drama. Along the way, they learn about the strength of sisterhood and the true meaning of Christmas.
The Christmas Sisters
by Sarah Morgan
Set in the snowy Highlands of Scotland, it follows the McBride sisters – Hannah, Beth, Posy, and their adopted sister Suzanne – as they come together for a long-awaited Christmas reunion. Each sister has her own personal struggles and secrets that threaten to dampen their holiday spirit. With the help of a handsome new neighbor and the magic of Christmas, they must learn to put aside their differences and come together as a family.
The Christmas Wedding Guest
by Susan Mallery
Set in the charming town of Wishing Tree, two sisters, Reggie and Dena, unexpectedly fall in love during a Christmas wedding celebration. Despite their doubts and past hurts, they both learn to open their hearts and believe in love once again.
The Christmas Bookshop
by Jenny Colgan
Carmen has always felt like the black sheep of her family, especially compared to her perfect sister, Sofia. But when she finds herself suddenly without a job and nowhere else to go, she reluctantly agrees to spend Christmas with Sofia and her family. As she settles into Sofia’s perfectly ordered life, she starts a new project, revitalizing an old bookshop. Despite her initial reluctance, Carmen becomes enchanted by the charm and history of the bookshop and begins to see it as more than just a job.
Winter Street
by Elin Hilderbrand
The chaotic Quinn family is back in this heartwarming Christmas novel. As the Winter Street Inn owner, Kelley Quinn is used to managing his four adult children’s drama. But when a scandal breaks out on Christmas Eve, it may take Kelley’s ex-wife and a little holiday magic to save the day.
Save for Later
The Wish
by Nicholas Sparks
Maggie Dawes was just sixteen when she was sent away from her small town to live with distant relatives. Leaving behind friends and family, Maggie felt lost and alone in this new place. But everything changed when she met Bryce Trickett, the local photographer who showed her the beauty and wonder of their seaside town. Now, years later, Maggie is a successful travel photographer but finds herself struggling with a medical diagnosis that leaves her grounded over Christmas. As she relies on her young assistant for support, she reflects on the past and shares with him the story of the love that changed everything.
Comfort & Joy
by Kristin Hannah
Joy Candellaro once loved Christmas more than any other time of the year. Now, as the holiday approaches, she is at a crossroads in her life; recently divorced and alone, she can’t summon the old enthusiasm for celebrating. But a chance detour leads her to the small town of Rain Valley, where she meets six-year-old Bobby and his father, Daniel, both struggling with their own losses. As Joy helps them heal, she begins to find happiness and love again, but not everything is as it seems in quiet Rain Valley.
Enchanting Historical Fiction for a Festive Escape
Christmas with the Queen
by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
As young Queen Elizabeth II navigates her new role as monarch in the postwar era, old friends Jack and Olive are brought together by chance at Sandringham House for the royal Christmas celebration. As they continue to cross paths over the next five years, their friendship grows while Olive carries a heavy secret that could destroy everything.
Homecoming
by Kate Morton
Jess, a struggling journalist, is entangled in a decades-old murder mystery when she discovers a shocking connection between her family and the Turner Family Tragedy of Christmas Eve, 1959. As she delves deeper into the case, Jess must confront long-held family secrets and question what lengths we will go to for those we love.
Mr. Dickens and His Carol
by Samantha Silva
A reimagining of the events that led Charles Dickens to write the beloved holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol.” Following a struggling and disillusioned Dickens as he meets a mysterious woman who helps him find the true meaning of Christmas. With her guidance, Dickens can overcome his writer’s block and create a timeless story that will forever change the holiday season.
Christmas Bells
by Jennifer Chiaverini
A teacher’s unwavering determination to bring joy and hope to her students during a time of hardship through the power of music, inspired by the timeless words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. As Sophia navigates personal struggles and societal challenges, she finds solace in the magic of Christmas and the healing power of community.
Last Christmas in Paris
by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
Evie Elliott watches her brother, Will, and his best friend, Thomas Harding, leave for the Great War in 1914, believing that it will all be over by Christmas. However, as history tells us, it is far from over, and Evie and Thomas both experience very different realities of the war. Through their letters, they share their hopes and fears and grow ever closer despite being so far apart. Fast forward to 1968, when an elderly Thomas returns to Paris with a packet of letters, determined to lay the ghosts of his past to rest. But one final letter is waiting for him.
Gripping Thrillers to Heat Up the Holidays
Christmas Presents
by Lisa Unger
Madeline Martin, the only surviving victim of a convicted murderer, is thrust back into her tragic past when Harley Granger, a failed novelist turned true crime podcaster, starts digging up old cases in her small town just before Christmas. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they discover that the truth may be more terrifying than anyone could have imagined.
The Mistletoe Mystery
by Nita Prose
Molly Gray is back with another mystery to solve. With the help of her beloved boyfriend and fellow festive enthusiast, Juan Manuel, she must navigate a Secret Santa gift exchange at the Regency Grand Hotel that raises questions about trust and true intentions. As Molly digs deeper into the mystery, she realizes that not everything and everyone is as they seem. Will love conquer all in this holiday-themed whodunit?
The Christmas Murder Game
by Alexandra Benedict
Welcome to Endgame House, the setting for the annual Christmas Game, where twelve clues and twelve keys are hidden throughout the manor. But this year’s game has a deadly twist as Lily Armitage must not only uncover the secrets of the house but also the truth about her mother’s murder. With snow falling and no way out, Lily must use her wits to outsmart her estranged cousins and solve the mystery before it’s too late.
The Christmas Party
by Mikayla Davids
On a dark December night, the Bailey family gathers at an isolated hotel in the English countryside. It’s been ten years since they were all together, following a tragic accident that changed their lives forever. As they come together for what should be a time of love and forgiveness, it quickly becomes apparent that not everyone has pure intentions.
The Night Before Christmas
by Alex Pine
It’s Christmas Eve in the beautiful fells of Cumbria, and all is calm until four trail hunters fail to return from their excursion. When the first body is discovered brutally murdered with a warning that the real hunt has just begun, panic sets in. As the search intensifies and suspects emerge, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary missing persons case. This is a calculated game being played by a sadistic killer who shows no signs of stopping.
Hercule Poirot’s Silent Night
by Sophie Hannah
The iconic detective Hercule Poirot is once again tasked with solving a seemingly impossible mystery. This time, he must navigate the complexities of a murder case during the festive holiday season and involves a retired post office master who was well-liked by all. With the clock ticking and an unknown enemy on his trail, Poirot is determined to solve the case and save potential future victims before it’s too late.
No matter how you like to celebrate the holiday season—wrapped in the warmth of festive tales or caught up in the suspense of a thrilling mystery—there’s a book here to make your days merry and bright. Which title will you dive into first? Share your favorites in the comments below.