Holiday Books To Add To Your Reading List

In A Holidaze By Christina Lauren

This author (actually a writing duo!) is my favorite for romcoms. There is always just the right mix of romance, wit, and spice. The plot of this book is kind of like Groundhog Day (you’ve seen the movie, right?) where the protagonist must relive the same Christmas vacation over and over again. If you read one book on this list, make it this one!

One Day In December By Josie Silver

This adorable love story begins with a must-be-fate inspired meet cute. Plus it takes place in dreamy Christmastime London. The story follows the two main characters throughout a decade of ups and downs. I read this one last year and loved it!

The Christmas Wager By Holly Cassidy

This one is a bit corny, but I like corny. I’m looking for corny in my life (name that movie.) A real estate developer visits a small Colorado town on her boss’s orders in hopes of securing a promotion. Once there, she discovers the property she is meant to purchase is owned by an old man whose orphaned grandson isn’t keen on selling. There is a wager, a Christmas themed shop, a small town holiday competition, and more seasonal fun.

It Happened One Christmas By Chantel Guertin

This holiday romcom falls on the level of a cheesy Hallmark movie so if that is your vibe, this one’s for you! It’s got my favorite enemies to lovers trope which gets me every time. The plot goes like this (it might sound familiar), an ambitious city girl visits a small town in hopes of using the town as a filming location, but, lo and behold, small town guy gets in the way.

Wreck The Halls By Tessa Bailey

This spicy holiday romcom definitely falls in the smut category (you’ve been warned!) The plot follows the children of a famous rock duo who, having broken up years ago, they hope to reunite for a Christmas concert. And there’s also a reality show and blackmail happening at the same time? Don’t think too hard on it.

The Christmas Orphan’s Club

This novel is less about romance and more about friendship. It follows a group of four friends over several Christmases. There are new relationships, friendship conflicts, and witty banter. It was entertaining, but I found their partying ways hard to relate to in this stage of my life (40, married with two young kids and very predictable routine.)

The Christmas Bookshop By Jenny Colgan

This charming novel takes place in the picturesque town of Edinburgh, Scotland (the description of this idyllic city had me adding it to my travel bucket list immediately.) The protagonist, Carmen, is laid off and moves in with what she deems her ‘perfect’ sister and her three kids. Her sister secures her a job at a small failing book shop, and she has till Christmas to turn it around. I loved this one, and I’m planning to read the second book in the series next.

Winter Street By Elin Hilderbrand

I’ve read MANY of this author’s books, and this one was one of my favorites. It’s actually the first book in a series of four and takes place in her signature setting of Nantucket, at the Winter Street Inn owned by the Quinn family. There’s family drama, tragedy, and romance all rolled into one. I’ve read all four books in the series and highly recommend it. A great series to take you past the holidays, too!