Cozy socks, coffee, and some amazing Christmas books? Yes, please!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and to help you get into the holiday spirit, here are some of the best Christmas-themed books. From their festive-looking cover to the heartwarming story within, they’re perfect to cozy up with by the Christmas tree.
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Best Christmas Books to dive into the Holiday Season
Nothing fills you with holiday cheer like curling up with one of the best, beloved Christmas reads. Perfect to dive into the festive spirit, they cheer you up and keep you reading through the holiday season. From comfy Christmas mysteries to romantic comedies, our list of best Christmas books has something for everyone to read.
Just grab a cup of hot cocoa, a cozy blanket and snuggle in with one of these best Christmas books ever. They also make great Christmas gifts for book lovers or you can also add them to your own holiday reading list.
1. The Christmas Promise by Richard Paul Evans
Each year, Richard Paul Evans releases a new Christmas book and his books never disappoint. They are so well written with lovable characters, fun romance, a great creative storyline and lots of Christmas feels. The Christmas Promise is his new release. The story revolves around Richelle who is a workaholic pediatric nurse and a budding author. When she meets a handsome but secretive man, Justin, at a writer’s group, the two fall quickly for each other. But will Richelle be able to come to terms with the ghosts of her past? And what about the promise she made to her dying father?
A heartwarming story of forgiveness and reconciliation, it’s absolutely one of the perfect reads for the holiday season.
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2. Gifts: A Novel by Laura Barnett
A wonderful exploration of grief, love, loss and reconciliation, of hope and redemption, of tolerance and acceptance, Gifts resonates deeply. It’s the story of twelve people who are searching for the perfect gift for someone they love, someone close to them. Each chapter features a different character, each telling a different story. All the stories overlap and are interwoven.
Beautifully written, Gifts shines with a festive message of exactly the right kind for the present times. It’s one of the best Christmas books, full of warmth and packed with the festive spirit.
3. The Holiday Switch by Tif Marcelo
Tif Marcelo’s The Holiday Switch will be a great Christmas read to enjoy while snuggling under the blanket with a cup of your favorite beverage in hand. Reading this book just pumped up the holiday mood in your vein! It’s a holiday romance about two rival co-workers that accidentally switch phones one afternoon, making each privy to the other’s secrets. Realizing they’ve both been hiding things from each other, their newly discovered secrets draw them together. Super cute romance, easy to read, full of holiday spirit, but also heart-warming and touching.
One of the best Christmas books, it’s perfect to dive into the holiday spirit.
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4. Midnight in Everwood by M. A. Kuzniar
A breathtaking, gothic twist on the story of The Nutcracker, Midnight in Everwood is a perfect mix of magical and creepy. Set in the run-up to Christmas, the book focuses on a young ballerina, Marietta, and the mysterious toymaker whose sinister magic holds out the promise of fulfilling all her dreams. The strong female protagonist inspires us all to stand up for ourselves, refusing to be knocked down. Kuzniar’s bewitching debut was actually released on Halloween so it seemed like the perfect transition between Autumn and Winter reading.
Perfect for the holiday season with a very important message, it’s a purely enjoyable and delectable story that you will always keep in your heart.
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5. A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss
Delightful and heartfelt, A Season for Second Chances is a charming story about new beginnings and taking a chance on yourself. Like her debut novel The Twelve Dates of Christmas, the author has once again created a wonderful town full of colorful characters with a rich history. Our protagonist, Annie, who is a chef of a prominent restaurant, learns that she deserves much more than she’s asked for. Then begins her journey to self-discovery and it’s a treat for the reader to watch her find her way.
This story reads like a warm hug on a blustery day, it’s emotional and full of heart from beginning to end. Surely, one of the must-read Christmas books!
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6. Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey
If you want a heartwarming, feel-good Christmas read, look no further! Window Shopping is a quick, joyful and cozy holiday romance that is best enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate and a fuzzy blanket. This story is a grumpy-sunshine workplace romance between a disillusioned ex-con looking for a fresh start and a cheerful department store owner in need of a window dresser with new ideas. Of course, neither of them know what they really need most of all until they start to help each other.
It’s sweet, heartfelt, funny, and memorable and sure to leave a smile on your face and perhaps a new appreciation for bow ties.
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7. A Country Village Christmas by Suzanne Snow
A Country Village Christmas is your typical warm, fuzzy and comforting festive book. It’s funny and sweet, but above all, it’s steeped in reality. Olivia is on her way home to spend her last Christmas in her dad’s old house since he’s moving out. Only, her dad failed to mention about the guest she would be spending her time with. When she finally makes it home, little does she know that some secrets are awaiting to be exposed and one of them may just be very familiar to her.
It’s one of the quick, light hearted Christmas books, and doesn’t focus too much on the whimsical, which means when the magic does happen, it is truly magical.
8. Christmas by the Book by Anne Marie Ryan
Everything about Christmas by the Book is equivalent to warmth, comfort, and heart. Nora and Simon’s bookshop is failing, but that doesn’t stop them from lifting the spirits of those less fortunate during the holiday season by anonymously sending them Christmas books. We see how their gifted books bring several changes in the lives of the recipients. Also, how books and bookstores can connect us with others and how a chance meeting can change one’s life.
It’s one of the wonderful, heartwarming Christmas books that every book lover will adore.
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9. Christmas with the Surplus Girls by Polly Heron
Christmas With The Surplus Girls is a book recommended for those who enjoy a heart warming festive story about strong women who fight to survive in a tough, judgmental world. It follows Nancy Pike and her journey from pie shop girl at age nineteen to aspiring office worker. As she battles her own fears and the prejudices around her, she is determined to bring some Christmas cheer to the orphanage—and maybe even to Zachary Milner.
A beautiful heart warming tale of strong female friendships and perfect reading for Christmas time.
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10. A Magical New York Christmas by Anita Hughes
Anita Hughes’ A Magical New York Christmas is pure perfection, with the glitter of a New York winter setting and a lot of sparkle of the holiday season. Sabrina has taken a job ghost writing the memoir of a famous art dealer, Grayson. How lucky for her the job includes a week’s stay at the Plaza Hotel. The first night she meets Ian, a handsome British visitor. One thing leads to another and we’re smack dab in the middle of a mistaken identity story. The story is not merely one of romance, but of connections to royalty, charity projects, literature, and classic New York landmarks.
A perfect holiday book set in New York City at the Plaza in the week between Christmas and New Year. Christmas, New York, the Plaza Hotel, and royalty, what could be more exciting?
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11. The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox
A wonderful, light-hearted read, The Holiday Swap is highly recommended if you’re into Hallmark Christmas movies, The Parent Trap, or sweet romance. All Charlie and her twin sister, Cass, want for Christmas is a different life. When an on-set accident leaves reality baking show host, Charlie, without her sense of taste or smell, she swaps places with her twin, Cass, who runs their family’s small town bakery. Intending to swap back before Christmas, the two find it hard to return to their lives when new romances threaten their plans.
An adorable book for rom-com lovers, it’s perfect to get you into the Christmas spirit.
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12. Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist by Codi Hall
A beautiful friends to lovers story, Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist is a cozy holiday read with all the Christmas elements floating around. When Nick returns home for good and his plans for the future fall apart, his best friend is there to help him get through the unexpected changes. And then begins a series of unexpected feelings. It’s definitely cheesy but will bring on the spice sprinkled with holiday cheer!
If you’re looking for a delightfully quick feel-good winter romance that gives nothing but warm feelings and wishing, look no further!
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13. Murder Most Festive: A Christmas Mystery by Ada Moncrieff
Christmas time, fancy parties, Lords and Ladies, charades, squabbling siblings, eccentric guests and murder. What’s not to like? A delightful murder mystery, Murder Most Festive is set in the English countryside in 1938. At Westbury Manor, the Westburys are having their annual Christmas party. Only to discover one of their guests dead in the snow with one set of footprints and a pistol. Amateur detective, Hugh finds his death unsettling and believes someone in the Manor must have murdered him. He begins to investigate…
A classic ‘whodunnit’ and a vintage Christmas mystery with a captive pool of suspects and lots of secrets.
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14. The Christmas Killer by Alex Pine
A couple moves away from London into a quiet village in Cumbria. As Christmas approaches, a killer strikes, promising twelve murders in the twelve days of Christmas. Can DI James Walker find the killer before he takes his next victim? The Christmas Killer takes place in a small, quaint village in northern England called Kirkby Abbey. After the first murder, the town is blanketed in snow making it much harder for evidence and to solve the crimes. It’s really enjoyable to see how the different characters’ lives as well as their hidden secrets intersect!
If you want to read a cozy mystery with a festive theme going on, then give this book a try.
15. One Family Christmas by Bella Osborne
One of the feel-good Christmas books, One Family Christmas is all about family and traditions. After the death of her Nana, Lottie is hosting one last family Christmas—a final request and long tradition of her Nana’s. But it is different from the rest as all the long held secrets are going to be exposed, along with the man who broke Lottie’s heart years ago. There’s family drama on every page, there’s wit and humor, and then there’s the Christmas set up!
Yet another fabulous Christmas book that I highly recommend! It’s genuinely engaging and heartwarming.
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16. Midwinter Murder: Fireside Tales from the Queen of Mystery
Ripping, riveting murder mysteries, Midnight Winter is charged with real menace and real depth. The book cover is absolutely gorgeous with pretty snowflake designed endpapers. The book also contains a special introduction by Agatha Christie herself describing a childhood Christmas. Moreover, all of the stories included have a wintry—although not necessarily Christmassy—theme. Some of them are cozy fireside mysteries. Definitely a delightful selection to indulge in during the darker months and during Christmas time.⠀⠀
And for the fans of the Queen of Mystery, this book is the ultimate treat!
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17. The Valancourt Book of Victorian Christmas Ghost Stories by Arthur Conan Doyle and Walter Scott
Gathering around a fire to share ghost stories was a Christmas tradition from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. And for the Victorian era publishers of newspapers and magazines, it became traditional to print ghost stories during the Christmas season for chilling winter reading by the fireside or candlelight. Now for the first time thirteen of these chilling tales are collected in The Valancourt Book of Victorian Christmas ghost stories, culled from the rare 19th-century periodicals. The book includes a wide range of stories from a diverse group of authors, some well-known, others anonymous or forgotten.
Ghost stories on Christmas Eve are such a fun tradition that I hope more people will carry on.
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18. Finding Love at the Christmas Market by Jo Thomas
Finding Love at the Christmas Market is full of seasonal goodwill, love and trust, and friendship. Connie is off to meet her perfect match in Germany, she has her list and Heinrich ticks all her boxes but does she love him? Then there’s William, a baker, they have nothing in common but she feels like she’s coming home when she steps into his bakery and spends more time with him…Will her Christmas wish come true?
A cozy, warm and sweet book with a good dose of Christmas magic and baking!
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19. The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand
Cynthia Hand’s The Afterlife of Holly Chase is a fantastic YA retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The book features The Scrooge Project—a secret society who spend their time trying to change the life and fate of one Scrooge every year. One such Scrooge is Holly Chase, she is visited by three ghosts. But they cannot make her change her ways and after her death she finds herself working for project Scrooge trying to make sure the Scrooges to come don’t end up like her. The story fully embraced the fact that it was a retelling and gave a modern spin on a classic, well known tale while staying fairly true to the original.
I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a fun festive read that will give you all the warm fuzzies.
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20. Murder at Christmas: Ten Classic Crime Stories for the Festive Season
Murder at Christmas is an excellent collection of ten entertaining stories, all well selected by Cecily Gayford and includes interesting authors such as Nicholas Blake, Margery Allingham, Dorothy Sayers and Edmund Crispin. It also includes well-known detectives such as Albert Campion, Sherlock Holmes and Rumpole. Featuring ten mysterious tales, this collection of crime stories would make perfect reading for the festive period.
I definitely recommend this book if you’re a Christmas mystery fan, or just enjoy a collection of good short stories.
21. Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
One of gorgeous and endlessly entertaining Christmas books, Christmas Shopaholic is a light comedy set during the Christmas season. Becky Brandon loves Christmas, and this year it’s her turn to host! What can go wrong? With online shipping, grocery delivery mishaps, ex-boyfriend drama, and a vegan sister, will Becky pull off the best Christmas ever? It’s a festive and fun read, and definitely one of the wonderful books for getting into the holiday spirit.
Check this out for an overly dramatic read that could definitely be a Hallmark Christmas movie!
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22. One Day in December by Josie Silver
Josie Silver’s One Day in December is a charming, feel-good book that provides a perfect holiday escape. It’s a charming coming of age story with a love triangle that takes you through three characters’ lives over the course of a decade. Love at first sight is something that hardly happens in real life. That’s what Laura thinks until one freezing day when, through a misted-up bus window, she sees a man. When their eyes meet, there’s a moment of pure magic…and then her bus drives away. Will she be able to meet him again? But how?
A story about love, friendship and fate over time, grueling to the heart and yet so addictive. It’s a perfect winter read that is not necessarily a ‘holiday’ read.
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23. Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
A beautifully written novel, Last Christmas in Paris is part classic romance and part historical fiction set in WWI. Written in epistolary style, this book is a collection of letters sent between friends during WWI. It showcases the feelings of the time and demonstrates the power of the written word during troubling wartime. The reader is taken on a journey of friendship, love, sacrifice, healing and hope. Don’t be fooled by the title, this isn’t just a Christmas book, it’s a beautiful tribute to sincere and lasting love.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to cozy up with a historical romance this holiday season.
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24. Mr. Dickens and His Carol: A Novel by Samantha Silva
Mr. Dickens and His Carol is a historical fiction book about Charles Dickens and his inspiration for A Christmas Carol, one of the most beloved Christmas books of all time. The story follows Mr. Dickens who has lost his will to write and struggles to immerse himself in the spirit of Christmas time. Just when things look like they’ve reached the lowest of lows, he finds an unusual muse, a woman and her son he meets late one night.
The book is wonderfully written and provides the reader with a real sense of Christmas magic and old-timeness. A perfect book to cozy up to during the holiday season!
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25. Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak
A delightful timely read, Seven Days of Us is full of family drama with the comfort of all feeling very strangely familiar. The story follows a family forced to spend a week in quarantine over Christmas, as they were exposed to the Haag virus, and the struggles with hiding each of their secrets. The family dynamics are incredibly well-crafted and relatable. Written pre-Covid, it is interesting to see what the author gets right about life in quarantine.
If you want to enjoy a fun epidemic/quarantine-based holiday book full of family characters, you’re up for the quest!
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26. Dying for Christmas by Tammy Cohen
Thrilling and utterly captivating, Dying for Christmas is the perfect counterbalance to cheesy holiday romance novels, a hallmark palette cleanser. This Christmas story is dark, psychologically disturbing, and has a fast-paced plot. Jessica takes a break while Christmas shopping and meets Dominic in a café. Her life at home is stale and loveless, and the good looking stranger is intriguing. She decides to go home to his flat for one drink before her Christmas festivities. What follows is truly horrific! Dominic has a dark, twisted past and Jessica has a secret of her own..
If you’re into fast-paced, nail-biting thrillers, I promise you won’t regret it!
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27. All I Want for Christmas by Joanna Bolouri
Joanna Bolouri’s All I Want for Christmas is one of fabulous, laugh out loud, heartwarming Christmas books. Despite the festive title, it’s not overly Christmassy and the story spans the course of a year, so it doesn’t necessarily have to be read only at Christmas. The storyline, our typical boy meets girl with a twist, is well thought out and cleverly pieced together with the perfect balance of love and humor.
If you are looking for a last minute festive rom-com read, then this is the book for you! Full of charm and warmth, it is the perfect feel-good read to get you into the festive spirit!
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28. Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie
Is there anything more Christmassy than curling up with a Christie book? Hercule Poirot’s Christmas is an excellent, tried-and-true mystery novel by the Queen of Mystery. In fact, it’s a classic Christie, focusing on a mystery surrounding a family’s not so quiet Christmas together. A character is murdered and there’s a whole host of questionable characters that Poirot then investigates. As usual, Agatha Christie has created a twisty story with an end that surprises the reader!
A really enjoyable story, it hits the nail on the head for anyone looking for a creepy Christmas murder!
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29. The Perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber
What better way to start your Christmas week than with the cheesy, feel goodness of a Debbie Macomber book? The Perfect Christmas is a romantic Christmas themed novel about Cassie Beaumont, who is a biochemist for a plastic company. All she wants this year is nothing more than to have a perfect Christmas with a husband and a family. But there’s just one problem: she’s single. She’s exhausted all of her options for meeting the perfect man, until she tries a matchmaker. Now she must have to complete three tasks before meeting her perfect match.
One of the must-read Christmas books for those who believe in the magic of ‘love’!
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30. The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding by Agatha Christie
The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding is a collection of short stories curated by Agatha Christie to celebrate one of her favorite times of the year. It consists of six seasonal short stories; five of them feature Hercule Poirot while the last one has Miss Marple in it. All of these stories are brilliantly written featuring Agatha Christie’s signature recipe of an introduction, murder, twist, and resolution which makes the book a mysterious, cozy, and entertaining read for the holiday season.
If you love holiday-themed cozy mysteries, this book is definitely for you!
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31. Every Time a Bell Rings by Carmel Harrington
Wonderfully emotional and incredible, Every Time a Bell Rings is a modern day fairy tale that will melt even the coldest of hearts. Belle Bailey and Jim Looney are hard working foster parents. But when Belle starts to have doubts about whether she can continue, her guardian angel turns up and shows her what life would be like if she had never been born. It’s a pleasing, enjoyable, romantic, quirky Christmas story inspired by the film ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’.
Definitely one of the must-read Christmas books filled with warm characters and festive goodness!
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32. A Heartfelt Christmas Promise by Nancy Naigle
Nancy Naigle’s A Heartfelt Christmas Promise is set in a small picturesque town, with numerous holiday festivities, some family drama, and a little bit of romance; the book checks all of the boxes. Vanessa’s next project for her high-pressure Chicago job takes her to a small town in North Carolina. Her cousin comes to join her for Christmas and to persuade Vanessa to start having a better work-life balance. But is it possible for Vanessa to keep the town and her company happy?
The book gives you all of the festive feels and really captures the true essence of Christmas. If you’re a fan of Hallmark movies, then this is your book!
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Now all you’ve to do is get cozy under a fuzzy blanket, with a warm beverage, your Christmas pjs, and curl up with one of these heartwarming Christmas books.
I hope you’ll all have a wonderful time and while adding some festive cheer to your TBR, don’t forget to take some time to appreciate your loved ones and all the good things in your life during this holiday season!
