The Best New Holiday Books to Read This Season

Unwrap the Magic: The Best New Holiday Books to Read This Season

As the winter chill descends and the festive spirit fills the air, there’s no better time to cozy up with a good book and escape into the enchanting world of holiday literature. This season, our literary sleigh ride takes us through a landscape adorned with tales of joy, warmth, and the timeless magic that only the holidays can bring. Whether you’re curled up by the fireplace or stealing moments of serenity amid the hustle and bustle, our curated list of the Best New Holiday Books to Read This Season promises to transport you to worlds where snowflakes fall gently, twinkling lights illuminate the way, and the spirit of the holidays dances on every page. From heartwarming stories that tug at your heartstrings to festive mysteries that keep you on the edge of your seat, these carefully selected books are bound to become cherished companions during this most wonderful time of the year. So, join us on this literary journey as we unwrap the magic and discover the perfect reads to make your holiday season extra special.

The Book Club Hotel by Sarah Morgan

Set against the backdrop of Vermont’s Maple Sugar Inn, this heartwarming tale weaves together the lives of Hattie, Erica, Claudia, and Anna during the Christmas season. With a mix of romance, mystery, and the allure of a bookish haven, the novel explores the transformative power of friendship and new beginnings. Despite pacing nuances, The Book Club Hotel is a delightful celebration of love and self-discovery, making it an ideal choice for a feel-good escape.

Get it now: Amazon

Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey

Join Melody and Beat on a festive journey as they unite their rock-star mothers for a Christmas Eve concert. Tessa Bailey crafts a heartwarming narrative of self-discovery, love, and unexpected connections, blending dynamic characters, witty banter, and rock star antics. Wreck the Halls is a delightful mix of laughter, romance, and the joy of the holiday season.

Get it now: Amazon

Four Weddings and a Christmas by Phillipa Ashley

Escape to the picturesque Lake District with Freya and Travis as they navigate the intricacies of love, second chances, and the enchanting backdrop of the holidays. This heartwarming romance captures the essence of the season, blending small-town charm, family dynamics, and a touch of wit to create a cozy experience perfect for holiday reading.

Get it now: Amazon

A December to Remember by Jenny Bayliss

Jenny Bayliss delivers a heartwarming holiday story centered around half-sisters Simone, Maggie, and Star. In a quest to inherit their father’s legacy, the sisters embark on a scavenger hunt, navigating personal challenges and rebuilding their sisterly bond. This tale of love, family, and renewal is a perfect December read, promising a heartwarming journey through the Winter Solstice.

Get it now: Amazon

The Holiday Mix-Up by Ginny Baird

In this Christmas romance reminiscent of While You Were Sleeping, Ginny Baird introduces Katie and Juan, whose pretend holiday arrangement takes an unexpected turn. The book explores the complexities of family, loyalty, and love, set against a backdrop of festive Latino traditions. Despite some emotional twists, The Holiday Mix-Up offers a heartwarming and relatable holiday experience.

Get it now: Amazon

Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

 Join Carmen in Old Town Edinburgh as she strives to save McCredie’s bookstore amidst the chaos of a Christmas movie production. Jenny Colgan’s heartwarming tale captures the magic of the season, celebrating love, resilience, and community support. With delightful characters and festive gatherings, Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop is a charming reminder of the joy and hope the holidays bring.

Get it now: Amazon

Related: Top Picks for Historical Fiction Set During the Christmas Season

The Christmas Orphan’s Club by Becca Freeman

In Becca Freeman’s touching holiday story, The Christmas Orphan’s Club, Hannah finds solace after losing her parents when she meets Finn, another orphan. Their chance encounter sparks a lifelong friendship, and together with two additional friends, they create cherished Christmas traditions. However, as life brings changes, their friendship faces challenges. Engagements, cross-country moves, and unresolved quarrels test the bonds they’ve built over the years. Freeman’s narrative beautifully explores the depths of platonic love and the complexities of friendships during the holiday season, offering a fresh perspective on the importance of chosen family. For those in search of a new Christmas book for 2023, this tale promises heartwarming moments and a celebration of enduring connections.

Get it now: Amazon

Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox

When chef Charlie Goodwin loses her sense of taste and smell due to a concussion, she enlists her twin sister Cass for a holiday switcheroo to save her career. Maggie Knox delivers an adorable holiday romance filled with smiles, putting a delightful spin on the classic twin-swap trope. Holiday Swap is a feel-good read that adds a touch of warmth to your holiday book list.

Get it now: Amazon

Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak

This holiday story takes a humorous look at family dynamics during a quarantine over the holidays. Francesca Hornak weaves a tale of coincidences, secrets, and drama within a dysfunctional British family. Seven Days of Us transforms a quiet family holiday into a soap opera, offering a humorous and engaging read that’s perfect for book clubs and anyone seeking a unique holiday story.

Get it now: Amazon

Related: Best Christmas Mysteries & Thrillers

The Christmas Cafe by Eliza Evans

The charming town of Silver Bells, Wyoming, where Sylvie West, a clumsy yet earnest baker, works at the beloved Christmas Café is more than enough to catch your attention. The café, her forever happy place, faces the threat of being sold, prompting Sylvie to embark on a mission to save it. Armed with determination and the quirky assistance of her yappy chihuahua-pug, Crumpet, Sylvie endeavors to attract the attention of the Holiday Channel crew. With a chance encounter with the film’s charming lead actor, Royce, Sylvie finds herself entangled in a whirlwind of unexpected events—from an acting gig to participating in the Christmas festival and parade. As her plate becomes full with newfound opportunities and a budding romance with Royce, Sylvie discovers the sweetest treats might just be the love, support, and holiday magic that surrounds her. The Christmas Cafe is a delightful journey filled with warmth, romance, and the joy of the season.

Get it now: Amazon

Love, Holly by Emily Stone

In Emily Stone’s heartfelt tale, Love, Holly, we meet Holly, a young woman who, since a family-altering car accident, participates in a lonely-hearts holiday letter-writing club. Each December, Holly exchanges letters with a stranger spending Christmas alone. However, this year, everything changes when Holly receives a letter filled with grief that resonates with her own experiences. The sender, Emma, hints at a place Holly has visited, sparking a determination within her to find Emma and reunite her with the estranged grandson, Jack. As Holly navigates the emotional journey of healing and reconciliation, Love, Holly explores themes of loss, connection, and the transformative power of the holiday spirit. This poignant story is sure to tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a renewed appreciation for the magic of Christmas.

Get it now: Amazon

The Christmas Wager by Holly Cassidy

In this delightful enemies-to-lovers romance, real-estate developer Bella targets a Christmas shop in Maple Falls, much to the resistance of Jesse, the owner’s grandson. To settle the dispute, they engage in the Maple Falls Holiday games, where winner takes all. As sparks fly between them during the competition, the question arises: will they admit their feelings? Reminiscent of a Hallmark Christmas movie, The Christmas Wager blends festive charm with romance, offering the perfect holiday read for those who adore small-town love stories.

Get it now: Amazon

As we bid farewell to the crisp autumn air and welcome the festive season, there’s no better way to usher in the holiday spirit than by curling up with a good book. Our journey through the Best New Holiday Books to Read This Season has taken us on a sleigh ride of heartwarming romances, transformative family reunions, and enchanting tales set against the backdrop of snow-kissed landscapes and twinkling lights.

From the picturesque Lake District in Phillipa Ashley’s Four Weddings and a Christmas to the festive wonders of Vermont’s Maple Sugar Inn in Sarah Morgan’s The Book Club Hotel, each novel has woven a tapestry of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Tessa Bailey’s Wreck the Halls invites us to experience the magic of unexpected connections during a rock-and-roll Christmas, while Jenny Bayliss’s A December to Remember takes us on a scavenger hunt through familial bonds and holiday traditions. Ginny Baird’s The Holiday Mix-Up adds a touch of Christmas charm to a classic film-inspired romance, while Jenny Colgan’s Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop transports us to Old Town Edinburgh for a heartwarming tale of resilience and community.

In the midst of these delightful narratives, we also explored the heartwarming small-town charm of Eliza Evans’s The Christmas Cafe, where Sylvie’s determination to save her beloved café unfolds in a festive tale of love, friendship, and the sweetest treats of the season. Emily Stone’s Love, Holly offers a poignant exploration of healing, connection, and the transformative power of the holiday spirit through a touching exchange of letters.

As we close the chapter on this literary sleigh ride, may these stories continue to resonate in your heart, filling your holiday season with warmth, joy, and the timeless magic that only a good book can bring. Whether it’s the crackling fireplace or the soft glow of holiday lights illuminating your reading nook, may these tales be a source of comfort, inspiration, and festive cheer. Happy reading, and may your holidays be filled with the enchantment of a good story!