The Best New Christmas Reads of 2023
Christmas is almost here, and what better way to embrace the festive spirit than by curling up with a good book? As we eagerly anticipate the joyous season, it’s time to explore the literary treasures that have graced the shelves in 2023. In this blog post, we will embark on a journey through the enchanting realms of storytelling, unveiling the best new Christmas reads that promise to captivate hearts and kindle the warmth of the holiday spirit. From heartwarming tales to gripping adventures set against the backdrop of the most magical time of the year, these books are sure to become cherished companions as we celebrate the season of joy, love, and goodwill. So, grab a cup of cocoa, snuggle into your favorite reading nook, and let the magic of these literary wonders transport you to a world where the spirit of Christmas comes alive on every page.
The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score
Readers are in for a double treat this holiday season with Lucy Score’s latest creation, The Christmas Fix. A spicy winter awaits in Merry, Connecticut, as home renovation expert Catalina King takes on the challenge of rescuing the town’s Christmas festival. The obstacle? The irritable town manager, Noah Yates, a devoted single father grappling with the aftermath of a late-season hurricane. As Noah clashes with the blonde bombshell Cat, a conflict unfolds that may jeopardize their chances of orchestrating a Christmas miracle. Get ready for a delightful blend of holiday cheer, unexpected romance, and the magic of small-town festivities.
Get it now: Amazon
Santa & Company by Fern Michaels
In Santa & Company, Fern Michaels weaves a heartwarming tapestry of friendship and holiday magic. Join lifelong friends Amy, Frankie, Rachael, and Nina as they reunite for a Christmas ski trip in Lake Tahoe. Michaels masterfully crafts distinct voices for each character, allowing readers to connect deeply with their individual journeys. Against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Tahoe, this delightful holiday read unfolds with laughter, romance, and unexpected adventures. Santa & Company is a cozy reminder that the holiday season is a time for new beginnings and cherishing the bonds of friendship.
Get it now: Amazon
The Holiday Mix-Up by Ginny Baird
Ginny Baird’s The Holiday Mix-Up serves up a delightful blend of romance, familial traditions, and the possibility of a Christmas miracle. Waitress Katie Smith faces a lonely Christmas until diner patron Juan Martinez asks her to pretend to be his girlfriend for his family’s winery festivities. When Juan falls into a coma after revealing the faux relationship to his family, Katie hesitates to confess the truth, especially as Juan’s brother, Mateo, becomes fond of her. This heartwarming tale explores hidden secrets, familial bonds, and the potential for a Christmas miracle as Juan’s awakening looms.
Get it now: Amazon
Related: 15 Must-Read Christmas Classics
The Book Club Hotel by Sarah Morgan
Sarah Morgan’s The Book Club Hotel unfolds a heartwarming tale of friendship, resilience, and the magic of new beginnings. Set against the backdrop of Vermont’s Maple Sugar Inn during the Christmas season, the story follows Hattie, a resilient young widow, and her encounters with lifelong friends Erica, Claudia, and Anna. As the women navigate the challenges of running the inn and personal struggles, their lives intertwine, fostering transformative journeys. Blending romance, mystery, and bibliophilia, this novel is a delightful mix of personal growth, unexpected romance, and the cozy allure of a bookish haven.
Get it now: Amazon
Four Weddings and a Christmas by Phillipa Ashley
Set in the stunning Lake District, Four Weddings and a Christmas by Phillipa Ashley is a heartwarming holiday romance. The story revolves around Freya and Travis, two characters scarred by past relationships, as they discover the possibility of second chances and true love. The small-town atmosphere, family dynamics, and well-developed supporting characters enhance the narrative, creating a cozy and inviting experience for readers. Despite some predictable elements, the enchanting backdrop of the Lake District adds an extra layer of charm to this festive tale.
Get it now: Amazon
The Trouble with Tinsel by Juliet Giglio and Keith Giglio
Get ready for an enchanting Hollywood Christmas in The Trouble with Tinsel by Juliet Giglio and Keith Giglio. Former screenwriting partners Kerri Williams and Jon Romano, who experienced a professional and personal breakup, find themselves collaborating again when an old script gets the green light. As they leave behind their respective lives to complete the film in sunny Hollywood, old emotions resurface, prompting them to ponder if this Christmas could mark the beginning of their own happily-ever-after. Add in a star who believes they’re engaged, and you have a delightful holiday rom-com with a touch of glamour and romance.
Get it now: Amazon
Related: Top Picks for Historical Fiction Set During the Christmas Season
Almost Perfect by E.F. Dodd
Almost Perfect by E.F. Dodd is a heartwarming tale of unexpected connections during the holiday season. Dave Richardson, in pursuit of a Christmas wish, finds himself drawn to Vivian Walters. Returning to his hometown and taking a bartending job was not part of Dave’s plan, but everything changes when Vivian enters his bar on a Wednesday night. As they navigate the clash between Vivian’s perfectly planned life and the unexpected allure of a weekend fling, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. This Christmas romance explores the magic of embracing the unexpected and stepping into a new chapter of life.
Get it now: Amazon
The Christmas Wager by Holly Cassidy
Enter the world of holiday games and rivalry in The Christmas Wager by Holly Cassidy. Bella Ross, a determined LA-based real estate developer, sets her sights on acquiring the failing Christmas shop, Always Noelle, in the mountain town of Maple Falls. However, shop owner Jesse Harrison stands in her way. The two strike an unlikely wager: they’ll compete in the Maple Falls Holiday Games, with the winner deciding the selling price. As Bella and Jesse engage in a spirited competition, icy feelings thaw, and a Christmas miracle may be in the making. This festive read combines competition, romance, and the spirit of the season.
Get it now: Amazon
It’s a Fabulous Life by Kelly Farmer
Kelly Farmer’s It’s a Fabulous Life offers a sapphic retelling of a holiday classic, bringing all the warm and fuzzy feelings to readers. Bailey George’s plans for a long-delayed trip to New York City take an unexpected turn when she steps back into her role as the Winter Wonderfest volunteer leader in Lanford Falls. As she encounters her high school crush, Maria Hatcher, and receives guidance from drag queen Clara Angel, Bailey’s perspective on Lanford Falls and the true holiday spirit undergoes a transformation. This festive tale explores the magic and hope inherent in Christmas, challenging Bailey to reconsider her dreams and embrace the warmth of the holiday season.
Get it now: Amazon
Murder on the Christmas Express by Alexandra Benedict
For those craving Agatha Christie vibes during the holidays, Murder on the Christmas Express by Alexandra Benedict delivers a thrilling and chilling narrative. Passengers aboard a sleeper train face an ominous threat as a murderer targets them during a perilous journey disrupted by a derailment. Former Met Detective Roz Parker takes on the challenge of solving a locked-room homicide in the snow-covered wilderness, navigating accusations, unexpected alliances, and the tension among the passengers. This gripping mystery, set against a holiday backdrop, promises suspense, intrigue, and a festive twist to the classic whodunit.
Get it now: Amazon
Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey
Tessa Bailey’s Wreck the Halls is a sexy and hilarious standalone holiday rom-com that combines adult children of rock stars, a Christmas Eve concert, and a whirlwind of festive chaos. Melody Gallard, daughter of music royalty, finds herself reluctantly drawn into reuniting her mother’s band for a live TV performance, alongside Beat Dawkins, the lead singer’s son. As they navigate rock star shenanigans, brawling Santas, and a 24-hour film crew, Mel and Beat discover an intense attraction and the potential for a Christmas miracle. This rom-com promises laughter, love, and a festive celebration that will warm readers’ hearts.
Get it now: Amazon
Snow Place Like Home by Lacey Baker
In Snow Place Like Home by Lacey Baker, Ella returns home for the holidays after nearly a decade, uncovering the key to a future filled with joy. Despite her prolonged absence, Ella finds herself planning the town’s Christmas tree auction alongside her first love, Seth. As they navigate differing ideas about Christmas and strike a deal to honor Seth’s late wife’s vision, a possibility of a new beginning emerges. This heartwarming tale explores the magic of rediscovering one’s past, the spirit of Christmas, and the potential for love in unexpected places.
Get it now: Amazon
With this collection of The Best New Christmas Reads of 2023, readers can immerse themselves in a variety of holiday tales, from heartwarming romances to thrilling mysteries, all set against the backdrop of the most magical time of the year.
As we journey through the enchanting worlds crafted by talented authors, we discover the warmth of small-town celebrations, the glamour of Hollywood Christmas, and the joy found in unexpected connections. From the cozy embrace of a Vermont inn to the bustling energy of LA, each story unfolds with its own unique charm, offering a perfect escape into the spirit of the season.
Whether you’re seeking the magic of new beginnings, the thrill of a festive mystery, or the heartwarming embrace of love, these books promise to kindle the holiday spirit within you. So, let the twinkling lights and the scent of evergreen accompany you as you delve into these delightful reads. May your holidays be filled with the joy, wonder, and romance found within the pages of these captivating Christmas tales. Happy reading, and may the magic of the season linger in your heart!