Christmas is only a few weeks away but there’s still plenty of time to read get in a couple holiday reads! In today’s list, I’m including my favorite holiday books and light Christmas contemporary romances that will satisfy that Hallmark-esque seasonal sweetness. All the feels, all the tropes, all the best winter settings.
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As always, remember… book preferences and what/how we connect with books is totally personal. If I don’t like a book, it doesn’t mean it’s a bad book. Just that I didn’t connect with it enough to recommend. That being said, you can find my running list of recent reads of books I’ve rated with 4+ stars HERE. I’m always updating the list so bookmark it and check back often!
For all the books I’m reading and loving, and giving 4+ stars, check out my list here…
For all the books I’m reading in real time, along with ratings and reviews, check out my GoodReads account here…
8 Christmassy Contemporary Romances to Dive Into this Season
Below are the holiday books I’ve read and really enjoyed — all in random order!
NUMBER 1
Snowed In
by Catherine Walsh
Two strangers with different personal motives agree to be fake dates for each other during the holidays. May be my favorite Christmas read from last year!
NUMBER 2
Claus and Effect
by Piper Rayne
Coupled up as travel partners by circumstance, two strangers have to trek across the country together during the holidays to make it home to their families. If you love found family and enemies to lovers tropes, this is for you!
NUMBER 3
Lovelight Farms
by B.K. Borison
I’ve included this in so many lists but if you haven’t yet read the first book in the Lovelight series, this is the perfect time! The quintessential small towen with friends and fake dating, trying to save a Christmas tree farm. This was a five star read for me! *Does include some explicit scenes
NUMBER 4
A Cross-Country Christmas
by Courtney Walsh
A sweet, quick, cozy read for fans of falling for the brother’s friend and a road trip of convenience.
NUMBER 5
The Christmas You Found Me
by Sarah Morgenhaler
A marriage of convenience between a father who will do anything to provide for his chronically ill daughter, and a recently divorced ranch owner. This one will have you reaching for a tissue.
NUMBER 6
We Three Kings
by Kristen Bailey
The head of her firm’s IT department, Maggie celebrates Christmas individually with her three department subordinates while she tries to make a huge work decision that will affect them all. Fun tropes and great characters, this is such an awesome, festive read.
NUMBER 7
Bright Lights, Big Christmas
by Mary Kay Andrews
A pleasant surprise, MKA books usually move a little slow for me, but I loved the coziness, pace, and plots of this one. Southern brother/sister duo head to the Village in NYC to run their annual Christmas tree stand and they make community with all different characters in the neighborhood. Some contemporary romance and good feels (plus a sweet pup and vintage camper).
NUMBER 8
The Twelve Dogs of Christmas
by Susan Wiggs
Dog rescue + snow storm + single dad + small town + protagonist healing from divorce — this is such a charming book that will put you all in your festive feels!
Still On My Christmas TBR
Below are two more Christmas books, written by authors earlier in the list that I enjoyed, that I’m committed to reading before Christmas! Both are new releases with great ratings!
Christmas with a Crank
by Courtney Walsh
Merry Kissmas
by Piper Rayne
Bonus Reads
A couple holiday books you may still be interested in…
How My Neighbor Stole Christmas
by Meghan Quinn
This one was a fun story (I actually enjoyed it via audio) but while most people I’ve seen LOVE it and say it’s their new favorite holiday rom com, I didn’t fully connect with it. If you like spice in your romance, this one definitely has it. I did really enjoy the ending resolution.
The Christmas Guest
by Peter Swanson
Not a romance so you may not even connect with this genre but if you like a mystery drama/thriller, I would totally try this quick read! I’m a fan of Peter Swanson and was excited to dig into novella — a fast-paced story with a twist I didn’t anticipate. There’s a supernatural element, too 😉 For something a little different, I really really enjoyed this one!
Top Holiday Books (for Children)
Of course, there’s the classics (and some of the below are classics), but if you’re looking to expand your collection, are creating a list to check out from the library, or need some gift-able book ideas, these are all big winners in our house!
- God Gave Us Christmas
- All the Colors of Christmas
- Dasher
- The Mitten
- The Polar Express
- A Simple Christmas On the Farm
- Mistletoe
- A Birthday Party for Jesus
- Red & Lulu
- The Christmas Owl
- 5 More Sleeps ‘Til Christmas
Acrylic Book Ledge Shelves (24″ 4-pack)
What are some of your favorite holiday books? They can be new but they don’t have to be current. Do any of our lists match up? Share your thoughts/personal recommendations in the comment section below!
Favorite Book Accessories & Reading Essentials
Below are my personal favorites that I have, use, and swear by…
- Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (waterproof and no glare, perfect for reading in the outdoor sun — unlike regular screens)
- Rechargeable Reading Light (multiple light settings & dimmable)
- Remote Control Page Turner for Kindle (or tablets/phones) (lasts on a single charge FOREVER and I love using it on the treadmill, while I’m eating, and when I want to stay under the covers)
- Book Seat (love this for both regular hard copy books and my kindle for hands-free holding)
- Book Cover Themed Bookmarks (from THIS shop)
- Pastel No-Bleed Highlighters (especially great for highlighting thin pages in the Bible)
- Custom Book Spine Mug (you send 16 book names and the shop owner creates a custom mug with illustrations of the book spines!)
- Foldable Stand (great for phones but I use it for my Kindle, especially next to the pool and on my desk. Folds flat for easy drawer storage.)
Thank you so much for the book recommendations especially pertaining to the holidays. I picked out one already from your new list & have it downloaded to my Kindle.
I appreciate you taking the time to review my recommendations, Traci. I’m so glad you found something that you like. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season!
Kelley,
What meat thermometer does Dave use? You posted it before, but I can’t seem to find it….Thanks
Hi Marjorie, Here’s a link to Dave’s meat thermometer. He loves it and I appreciate you checking in!
https://amzn.to/41hOVRa