30 Best Christmas Books for Adults

by Richard Paul Evans

The King of Christmas fiction has a brand new book perfect for readers looking for Christmas books that are not romance titles. As the 1967 Christmas season approaches, it’s been a tough year for the Evans family. Richard’s brother Mark was killed in Vietnam, his father lost his job, they moved from California to Utah, and his parents separated.

At his new school in Utah, Richard is bullied until an elderly neighbor, Mr. Foster, chases off the bullies and offers Richard hot cocoa. This is the start of an unexpected and important friendship that brings back a little joy and light of the Christmas season.

by Debbie Macomber

This heartwarming book is told from the perspective of a grandmother telling the story of two friends to her grandchildren. Best friends Peter and Hank have very different lives. Peter is the local pastor and is busy preparing for the Christmas service and live nativity. Hank is a bartender at his family tavern, serving lonely regulars and the local biker gang.

When Peter declares that Hank's job is easier than his, the men decide to switch places and step into each other's shoes for a week. This swap leads to discoveries that celebrate community and the true meaning of the holidays.

Debbie Macomber's holiday books always remind us of Hallmark Christmas movies. If that sounds perfect for you, be sure to also read our list of books that turned into Hallmark Christmas movies.

This unexpected Christmas novel explores a family’s first holiday season after a big loss. Sisters Romy and Joanna are returning home to the Dublin Mountain foothills from their very different lives in London and Silicon Valley. Romy feels adrift on the lower rungs of her career ladder, while Joanna has a high-powered career, but isn’t sure if that life is the right way to raise her twin daughters.

Back home, the house feels empty without their mom. Dad feels like a passing shadow, and their brother is brooding and silent. But then Romy discovers some words of wisdom left behind by their mom, Cathy. Can her loving reminder save the Christmas season?

by Sean Dietrich

Rather than a novel, this book contains touching short stories that will remind you of how many good people exist in the world. Despite the title and being written in 2020 as the upcoming Christmas season felt like it would be the worst of all time, these often humorous essays offer a bright spot for anyone who needs to be uplifted.

The Book Girls Say…Many of our readers fell in love with author Sean Dietrich after reading The Incredible Winston Browne. We were excited to find he had written a collection of Christmas stories!

This book is included with Kindle Unlimited as of 10/17/22.

by Sandy Barker

This novel is festive, funny, and heartwarming, with the perfect balance of friendship and romance!

Chloe, Jules, and Lucy met on vacation as kids, and they've been best friends ever since, despite living on three different continents.

Twenty-two years later, they decide to swap homes for Christmas... Lucy travels to snowy Breckenridge, Colorado; Jules escapes down under for a summery Christmas in Melbourne, Australia; and Chloe travels halfway around the world for a quiet holiday in a quaint English village.

If you've seen the movie The Holiday, then the concept will sound familiar, but this book has even more to offer!

All three of the locations in this book were already very near and dear to Angela's heart, but the author captures each locale so perfectly that you'll feel like you've been there, too! It was one of our favorite Christmas books last year.

by Kate Stewart

This spicy second-chance rom-com is described as good for those who aren't typically fans of holiday romance because it's so much more than that. The main character Whitney is NOT in the mood for Christmas; she's had a terrible December at work and in love. But her mom insists she must join the family at her grandparent's old cabin.

On the first day, her ex, who broke her heart in college two decades ago, appears on the cabin's doorstep. Her brother unknowingly invited him to their old-fashioned family Christmas. So suddenly, she's stuck with him for the week. Whether it's the eggnog or Eli's blue eyes, their reunion moves from chilly to steamy.

The Book Girls Say…One of our Facebook group members declared this the best book they had read in a long time, making it an easy addition to our list of Christmas books.

This book is included with Kindle Unlimited as of 10/17/22.
PS: Don't miss our entire list of additional Kindle Unlimited Christmas Romance novels!

by James Patterson & Tad Safran

At the Sullivan's Harlem brownstone, Christmas doesn't exist. There are no Christmas trees, cookies, gifts or guests. But then, gifts related to the twelve days of Christmas begin arriving.

If you're looking for a funny and wacky take on a Christmas tale, this one is for you!

by Christina Romeril

If you’re in the mood for a cozy Christmas mystery, try the first book in the new Killer Chocolate series. The series features twin sisters, Alex and Hannah, who run a combo mystery bookshop and chocolate store featuring poison-themed chocolates.

Jane, their septuagenarian neighbor, has confided to Alex that a murderer from her favorite true-crime show has moved to their village. But she also mentioned this to Netta, the town gossip. The next morning, Alex heads to Jane’s house to watch the show, but sadly finds Jane’s body instead. And there’s a box of chocolates from her shop nearby!

The sheriff focuses his investigation on Alex and a handyman, but Alex is determined to prove her innocence. Jane’s journal holds an unexpected truth.

by Joanne Huist Smith

After the unexpected death of her husband, Joanne wasn't sure how she would hold herself together. On top of that, the holidays were coming and she had three children to care for. The family was full of grief and not at all in the Christmas spirit.

This true story tells how they were healed with the help of some real-life Christmas miracles and random acts of kindness.

by Sarah Morgan

Lucy works for a marketing agency that is facing layoffs after losing two major accounts. So, she decides to take matters into her own hands and track down the CEO of a sportswear company, Ross Miller, hoping to sign them as a client, which will save the jobs before Christmas. Lucy finds his family home in the Scottish Highlands, which she assumes is the site of an idyllic family holiday.

However, not all is as it seems. Ross fears confrontations with his father, and his sister Clemmie has a major secret. On top of that, all three siblings dread the prying questions of their mother and grandmother.

When Lucy arrives at the house before Ross, the family assumes she is his girlfriend. Soon, Nanna Jean is campaigning for great-grandchildren! Before anything can be set straight, Lucy finds herself snowed in and part of the Miller family Christmas.

by Melody Carlson

In this Christian Christmas fiction novella, widowed Vera is lonely in her new condo as the holidays approach. A knock at the door introduces her to a young girl, Fiona. Fiona's mom is seriously ill mom, and her dad is out of town.

Suddenly, Vera doesn’t have time to be lonely as she assembles an unexpected group of women to help make a Christmas quilt for Fiona's mom. Artist Tasha, empty nester Beverly, and retired therapist Eleanor join in and form a new family of friends to help Fiona. But, they manage to help each other along the way.

by Kiley Dunbar

This is the 2nd book in the Borrow a Bookshop series, which transports readers to a fictional British bookshop that vacationing literature lovers can “own” for a fortnight. This book can be easily read as a stand-alone for Christmas before reading book one.

Magnús is from Iceland and is a former bookseller trying to fix his sadness by surrounding himself with books again. Alexandra is in Clove Lore, trying to heal heartbreak in the quirky community.

When a flood on Christmas Eve brings devastation, Magnús and Alex have to work together to save the village, which is the perfect time to introduce an Icelandic tradition -  jólabókaflóð (Yule book flood). Will bringing the village together to exchange books and read together bring back the Christmas spirit?

by Emily Stone

Siblings Cassie and Tom lost their parents at a young age and got through life by relying on each other. But now, twenty years later, Tom is gone too.

Before he died, Tom prepared the annual Christmas scavenger hunt he had been making for Cassie every year. When she finds the first envelope, she’s scared to open it.

But once she begins, the journey takes her from London and Wales to the French countryside as Tom helps her reconnect with old friends. But will she be brave enough to accept the final gift?

by Catherine Steadman

Looking for a very non-traditional Christmas read? Try this Christmas mystery thriller! Edward Holbeck was born into a highly eccentric, old-money family in the 1%. He left them behind to escape being under their control and forge his own path. His wife, Harry, is a novelist on the brink of stardom, and their life is good.

However, the family’s eyes and ears are everywhere. They’re not okay with Edward’s separation from the family because he’s still set to be the sole heir to the fortunes.

When the head of the family, Robert, slips a shocking taped confession to Harry, their world beings to spin. As she searches for the truth, she finds herself involved in the Holbeck’s savage Christmas tradition, even though she knows losing the game can be deadly.

The Book Girls Say…This book is also featured on our Best Psychological Thrillers list.

by Anita Hughes

Oh my, this holiday novel has all three of our favorite things - it's a Rom-Com, set in New York City, at Christmas time.

Sabrina Post is a 26-year-old struggling writer who arrives at the Plaza Hotel to begin her next gig - ghost-writing a memoir for a famous art dealer. It's a dream gig - she gets her own suite AND a big paycheck! Her week gets even more magical when she finds out the art dealer once worked for the author of the Eloise books, Kay Thompson.

Throw in a member of the British aristocracy that Sabrina meets at the hotel bar and you have the perfect heartwarming holiday read!

The Book Girls Say... Fans of Fiona Davis novels will love this book! Like many of Davis' books that have an NYC landmark building at their center, the Plaza Hotel is like a character in the story! You'll learn so much about its history and architecture. Additionally, this holiday novel has a dual timeline with a historical fiction story that introduced us to the author of the famed Eloise books.

This book actually takes place during the week between Christmas and New Year's Eve. We've included it on this list because it allows you to experience so many of the quintessential NYC Christmas activities, but it's also a perfect book to read right after Christmas. You'll also find this title featured on our list of the Best Books About New Year's Eve.

by Mary Kay Andrews

This cute novel brings the magic of Christmas, and it's also a testament to the power of second chances!

Ivy Perkins is recently divorced and is looking to make a big change in her life. So, she buys an old farmhouse sight unseen. Ivy knows it will be a labor of love... but it might be more labor than she counted on.

As she sorts through all the junk that the prior owners left behind, she comes across a beautiful, decades-old Santa suit. Tucked in the pocket is a handwritten note from a little girl whose Christmas wish was for her father to return home from the war. Ivy's desire to learn more about the note's author draws her into her new community and may even result in a second chance at love.

This book will really put you in the holiday spirit because it celebrates the spirit of joy and giving rather than the material aspects of the season.

by Cynthia Hand

Like Charles Dicken's Scrooge, seventeen-year-old Holly received a Christmas Eve visit from three ghosts who showed her how selfish and spoiled she'd become. Unlike Scrooge, she was unconvinced, and she did not change her ways. Then, she died.

She's now stuck working for the top-secret company called Project Scrooge, where she serves as the new Ghost of Christmas Past. Each year she helps the company as they attempt to save another miserly grouch. Despite helping many people, she remains miserable - watching as her family and friends go on living while she stays frozen at seventeen, unable to interact with them. But the Scrooge she's been assigned to help reform this year may change everything.

by Francesa Hornak

When a family member comes home to Christmas in the UK straight from treating an endemic in Liberia, the only option is for her to quarantine. Except if the family wants her to join them for the holiday, they all have to agree to quarantine together for seven days.

As the family is locked down together, they're forced further into each other's lives. This funny Christmas novel shows how many secrets can be revealed when a group of dislikable family members have to share space for a week.

by Courtney Cole

This Christmas book brings together two generations of women and exemplifies the magic of the holiday season.

Hopeful fashion designer Meg has to put her dreams on hold to return to her hometown of Chicago to manage her father's apartment building. The residents are an eclectic group, and all seem to need her right away.

One of the residents, Ellie, is having an equally bad season as she's being forced to leave her apartment and move into a nursing home. As she packs, one dress brings back the most memories - both good and bad.

When she reveals the important history of the dress to Meg, Ellie decides to gift her the dress with the caveat that it must be worn to the building's holiday party. Will the magic of the dress strike again for its new owner?

by Jenny Colgan

Travel to a hotel on the remote island of Mure, halfway between Scotland and Norway, this Christmas. The resort staff includes local islanders with big dreams of working their way to a better life and a member of the kitchen staff who is concealing his prominent position as the only son of a Duke.

As the grand opening approaches during the Christmas season, secrets are also at risk of being unwrapped.

Also consider The Christmas Bookshop, another Jenny Colgan Christmas treat!

by Christina Lauren

The hilarious writing duo Christina Lauren released this funny holiday book in 2020, and it quickly rose to the top of our favorites list - just like all of their other romantic comedies.

Mae has spent every Christmas since her birth at the same snowy Utah cabin. Knowing it's the last year they'll spend at the cabin, feeling trapping in a job she hates, and having just made a big mistake in the romance department leaves her feeling totally hopeless.

When her Christmas wish is for clarity on what will make her truly happy, she sets herself into a groundhog day experience of re-living the same day until she can get it right and connect with her true love. But don't worry, the repetition doesn't go overboard - soon the story will continue moving forward, and you'll find yourself very invested in Mae's romantic fate.

by Jenny Bayliss

This holiday rom com is set in a small town in England where 34-year-old Kate has signed up with a dating service. The service is setting up 12 holiday-themed dates with 12 different men, in hopes that she'll find her perfect match. As each date proves more disastrous than the last, everyone in town keeps tabs on Kate's progress.

This book is perfect for Gilmore Girls fans because it gave us major Stars Hallow vibes (just England rather than New England), right down to Kate's long and complicated relationship with the diner owner.

by Kristin Hannah

Joy Candellaro dreads Christmas this year after divorce leaves her alone during her previously favorite season. Instead of dwelling at home, she leaves town alone on an adventure to the pacific northwest. Once she arrives, she decides to stay.

When she meets a young boy experiencing Christmas for the first time without his mother, they instantly bound and help each other heal. Soon, she finds herself heartbroken again. On Christmas Eve, Joy must find the courage to believe in love.

Comfort & Joy has been described as a modern-day fairy tale, which sounds perfect for the holidays!

by Ashley Elston

If you are looking for something funny and wholesome this holiday season, it doesn't get any better than this adorably charming and heartwarming YA novel!

On the eve of her Christmas break, 17-year-old Sophie overhears her boyfriend say he wants to take a break from her. Heartbroken, she heads out of town to spend the holidays with her large, extended Italian-American family while her parents go to visit her pregnant sister in another town.

When her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins get wind of her breakup, they are determined to find her someone new. They each claim dates on the calendar and set her up on 10 blind dates in the days leading up to Christmas.

by Donna VanLiere

Donna VanLiere wrote the beautiful tear jerker, The Christmas Shoes, and her most recent Christmas release sounds like it will have the same effect. The story has a split timeline starting in 1972 and 2012.

In 1972, Joan's husband is determined to build her a beautiful dining room table before Thanksgiving dinner. While he works on the table, Joan works on her mother's recipes, inspired to make a delicious meal. Their lives are interrupted when Joan is diagnosed with breast cancer.

In 2012, a pregnant Lauren finds an old table that has recently been refinished. When she gets home, she discovers handwritten recipe cards, complete with loving notes from a mother to her daughter. After being raised in foster care without that kind of relationship in her life, Lauren is moved by the card and wants to learn how to cook for her baby using the recipes. She's drawn to the family on the cards and hopes to unlock the mystery of who they belong to before Christmas.

by Nancy Thayer

Let It Snow is one of those classic Christmas concepts that never get old. Christina is busy preparing for the busy season at her toy shop in Nantucket when her Scrooge-like landlord raises the rent to a level that means her only option is closing her shop.

She tries to keep her hope alive that she can appeal to some decency under his harsh exterior, and realizes that could be possible after meeting his sweet grandaughter. Of course, an attractive bachelor also enters to assist in her attempt to save her store. While the concept isn't unique, sometimes an enjoyable, predictable read is just what we need to escape unpredictable reality.

by Elin Hilderbrand

If you enjoyed 28 Summers as a beach read this year like we did, you may want to check out Elin Hilderbrand's Winter series. Winter Street is the first of 4 books that follow the Quinn Family in Nantucket. Kelley Quinn owns an Inn and has four children, each with their own complications and imperfections.

When Kelley walks in on his wife kissing Santa Claus, chaos erupts with ripple effects throughout the family. Expect this series to be more of a beach-read style for winter, light entertainment with wacky circumstances to take you out of your own holiday chaos.

• Book 1: Winter Street
• Book 2: Winter Stroll
• Book 3: Winter Storms
• Book 4: Winter Solstice

By Sophie Kinsella

We are both big fans of the funny Shopaholic series, so Christmas Shopaholic shot straight to the top of our holiday reading lists last year, and it did not disappoint! This wintery novel stands alone from the series, so don't worry if you haven't read the others.

We always laugh out loud at least once reading Sophie Kinsella, so we're putting this in the holiday self-care stress relief category!

by Agatha Christie

Looking for something a bit different? Perhaps a classic murder mystery set around the holidays? Hercule Poirot’s Christmas is the 20th book in Christie's beloved investigator series.

On Christmas Eve, a family reunion goes awry when there is a crash and scream. The family rushes upstairs to find their tyrannical leaders dead. When Poirot arrives, he meets a family resistant to his help.

by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb

Love historical fiction with a bit of romance thrown in? This may be the Christmas book for you

Spanning four Christmas from 1914-1918, you'll meet Evie, her brother Will, and his best friend Thomas. The boys are soon facing the front lines of World War 1, while Evie tries to help the effort from home. The compelling novel is told in epistolary form (through letters).

The Book Girls Say...Melissa read this one after seeing it recommended over and over. She LOVED it as a book and was so enthralled that she read right through the time she was supposed to be putting up her Christmas tree.

BUT, keep in mind that it's set in Europe during WW1, which was not a jolly time. While there are many Christmas mentions, there's no mistaking that the book is set in wartime, which also comes with a lot of misery.

by Karen Kingsbury

Karen Kingsbury is always a good choice if you're looking for a Christian book for Christmas.

A Baxter Family Christmas has a very impressive Amazon rating, but a few dissenters felt it was better as a stand-alone than part of the Baxter series. The great news is that if you read it first and love it, there are 23 other books about the Baxters for you to enjoy later!