Top Picks for Historical Fiction Set During the Christmas Season

Top Picks for Historical Fiction Set During the Christmas Season….

Christmas, the season that weaves a tapestry of warmth and wonder, takes on a new dimension in this spellbinding collection of historical fiction. Within these pages, the spirit of Christmas converges with the corridors of history, creating a literary landscape where each tale is a portal to a bygone era. Journey through time as these captivating narratives unfold, seamlessly blending the charm of yesteryears with the enchantment of the holiday season.

In this anthology, discover characters whose lives are entwined with the magic of Christmas, set against the historical backdrop that shaped their destinies. These aren’t just stories; they are immersive experiences that invite you to witness the celebrations of Christmas through the ages. From Victorian festivities to wartime miracles, each narrative is a carefully crafted exploration of the intersection between history and the joyous traditions we hold dear.

As you turn the pages, be prepared to lose yourself in a world where the twinkle of Christmas lights illuminates not only the present but also the shadows of days gone by. These Christmas books are an invitation to savor the richness of history while reveling in the timeless celebration of the season – an irresistible blend that ensures you won’t be able to put them down. Get ready for a holiday journey that transcends time and tradition, leaving you captivated until the very last word.

Christmas Bells by Jennifer Chiaverini

 Jennifer Chiaverini’s Christmas Bells is a wondrous novel that bridges the past and present, drawing inspiration from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s classic poem. Set in 1860, it follows the Longfellow family’s Christmas celebration amidst political unrest. In contemporary Boston, a dedicated teacher faces somber holiday tidings, and both narratives are connected by the timeless poem Christmas Bells, written during a tragic Christmas in 1863. Chiaverini’s novel is a resonant and heartfelt exploration of loss, hardship, and the enduring power of language and music during the holiday season.

Get it now: Amazon

A Quilt for Christmas by Sandra Dallas

Sandra Dallas’ A Quilt for Christmas unfolds in 1864, where Eliza Spooner’s husband joins the Kansas volunteers to fight in the Civil War. As Eliza awaits his return, she channels her hope and creativity into making a special quilt to keep him warm. When tragedy strikes, Eliza opens her home to those affected by the war, finding solace among the women in her quilting group. The novel beautifully explores themes of love, resilience, and the impact of war on a small mining town during Christmas.

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 Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva

 Samantha Silva’s novel captures a moment of crisis in Charles Dickens’ life. Faced with the failure of his latest book, Dickens is pressured by publishers to write a Christmas book in a month, or risk losing everything. Mr. Dickens and His Carol takes readers on a journey through the creative process, revealing how the iconic novella A Christmas Carol came to be, and how it transformed the holiday season forever.

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Related: Best Christmas Mysteries & Thrillers

Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor, Heather Webb

Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb’s Last Christmas in Paris is a romantic novel spanning four Christmases (1914-1918) during World War I. The narrative explores the impact of war on the lives of Evie Elliott and Thomas Harding, who exchange letters that express their hopes, fears, and the enduring power of love. The story unfolds against the backdrop of historical events, providing a poignant exploration of the strength of love and the enduring hope of the Christmas season.

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Christmas Roses by Amanda Cabot

Amanda Cabot’s Christmas Roses is set in a small Wyoming mining town in the late 1800s. Celia Anderson, the proprietor of a boarding house, doesn’t expect much for Christmas except more boarders. However, when a wandering carpenter arrives, Celia finds herself considering the possibility of remarrying. The novel weaves a heartwarming tale of love, miracles, and the spirit of Christmas in a harsh winter landscape.

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 An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen’s An Ivy Hill Christmas follows Richard Brockwell, who returns to Ivy Hill for Christmas, reluctantly facing the family secrets and past mistakes he left behind. The novel explores the transformative power of Christmastime in the English countryside, where unexpected encounters and the magic of the season play pivotal roles in reshaping lives.

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Jane and The Twelve Days Of Christmas by Stephanie Barron

Stephanie Barron’s Jane and The Twelve Days Of Christmas is a festive addition to the Jane Austen Mysteries series. Set in 1814, Jane Austen finds herself solving a mystery during the Christmas season at the Chute family’s home. Filled with Christmas romp, this novel combines the charm of Jane Austen’s world with a gripping holiday mystery.

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The Christmas Doll by Elvira Woodruff

Elvira Woodruff’s The Christmas Doll is a delightful children’s book set in Victorian London. The story revolves around two orphaned sisters who escape a workhouse during a deadly fever. They discover a magic doll, leading them to understand the true meaning of Christmas. Filled with sweetness and a touch of magic, this book is a perfect holiday read for children.

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Hiddensee: A Tale of the Once and Future Nutcracker by Gregory Maguire

Gregory Maguire, known for Wicked, presents Hiddensee, a novel inspired by the Nutcracker legend. The story intertwines the famous Nutcracker tale with the life of the mysterious toymaker, Drosselmeier, exploring the magical and historical elements that shape this holiday classic.

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The Christmas Boutique by Jennifer Chiaverini

In The Christmas Boutique, Jennifer Chiaverini weaves a holiday tale set just weeks before Christmas. Severe winter weather damages the church hall hosting the Christmas Boutique, prompting Sylvia Bergstrom Compson to relocate the event to Elm Creek Manor. This novel, part of the Elm Creek Quilts series, explores themes of community, tradition, and the magic of the holiday season.

Get it now: Amazon

A Christmas Hope by Anne Perry

Set in Victorian England, Anne Perry’s A Christmas Hope follows the indomitable Hester Monk as she investigates a gruesome crime just before Christmas. Amid the holiday festivities and cheer, Hester delves into the dark corners of London, uncovering secrets that challenge the spirit of the season. Perry’s novel is a gripping historical mystery that combines the atmosphere of Victorian Christmas with a compelling detective story.

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A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol is a timeless novella penned by the renowned English author Charles Dickens. Initially published by Chapman & Hall on December 19, 1843, this classic tale unfolds the narrative of Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter and miserly old man. The story takes a transformative turn when Scrooge encounters the supernatural specters of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Through a series of haunting and enlightening visits, Scrooge is compelled to confront his own life choices, leading to a profound and heartwarming metamorphosis. Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has endured the test of time, captivating readers with its powerful themes of redemption, generosity, and the true spirit of Christmas.

Get it now: Amazon

From the Civil War era to Victorian England, from the trenches of World War I to the festive streets of Ivy Hill, each narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the holiday season, capturing the spirit of Christmas in different historical epochs.

Christmas Bells by Jennifer Chiaverini explores the power of language and music during a poignant Christmas in 1863, connecting past and present through the timeless poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Sandra Dallas’ A Quilt for Christmas takes us to the heart of the Civil War, where a community finds solace and strength in quilting during turbulent times. Meanwhile, Samantha Silva’s Mr. Dickens and His Carol offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Charles Dickens’ iconic A Christmas Carol, a story that reshaped Christmas celebrations forever.

Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb’s Last Christmas in Paris paints a romantic portrait of World War I, exploring the enduring strength of love amidst the ruins of war. Amanda Cabot’s Christmas Roses transports us to a Wyoming mining town, where love and miracles bloom in the harsh winter landscape. Julie Klassen’s An Ivy Hill Christmas brings us to the English countryside, where the magic of Christmas transforms lives and reconnects hearts.

Stephanie Barron’s Jane and The Twelve Days Of Christmas adds a touch of mystery to the festivities in Regency England, while Elvira Woodruff’s The Christmas Doll offers a magical journey through Victorian London for young readers. Gregory Maguire’s Hiddensee takes a unique spin on the Nutcracker legend, blending historical elements with enchanting storytelling.

As these diverse narratives unfold, they remind us that the magic of Christmas knows no bounds, transcending time and space. Whether exploring the depths of history or imagining futures yet to come, these Christmas historical fiction books invite readers to embrace the timeless joy, hope, and wonder that make the holiday season truly special. So, as you delve into these pages, may the spirit of Christmas past and present fill your heart with warmth and holiday cheer.