Christmas Novels Set in England (London & Beyond)
By: Melissa George
Updated:
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we may earn a referral fee from qualifying purchases.Do you dream of a Christmas visit to the cozy English countryside or the twinkling streets of London? These holiday reads will whisk you to village squares, bookshops, and festive markets. Whether you’re craving heartwarming romances, witty rom-coms, mysteries, or classic tales, we have a Christmas novel for you!
The Best Christmas Books Set in England
Happy Bloody Christmas
England
Book Summary
After her annual holiday party, burnt-out, working mom Anna is hungover and already sick of Christmas and all the different to-do lists it entails. Unfortunately, she’s just added a new task after wrapping presents and peeling potatoes. Now she’s also stuck trying to solve Santa’s murder!
After his mysterious death, the police officers assigned seem more like caricatures, and her husband and kids are more interested in watching Christmas movies. As usual, it’s up to her to solve the little problem of the dead body in her house. She does have the help of her murder-mystery obsessed BFF, Jenny.
Reader Thoughts About This Book
Readers say this humorous, witty read is especially good on audio, with the narrator’s sharp British accent perfectly delivering all the snark. Be aware that while you’ll laugh out loud throughout, this is one of those books you can’t take too seriously, as it’s meant to be entertaining, not completely realistic.
If you love this book, there is a sequel featuring Anna titled Not Another Bloody Christmas.
Christmas with the Queen
Book Summary
In 1952, when Princess Elizabeth was only 25 years old, she unexpectedly became the Queen of England. That December, she knew she must continue her grandfather and father’s traditional Christmas Day radio broadcast.
As the family and staff prepare for Christmas at Sandringham House, two old friends, Jack and Olive, find themselves reunited. Olive is a single mother, typist at the BBC, and aspiring reporter who is thrilled by the opportunity to cover the events. Jack, a widowed chef from New Orleans, is surprised to run into Olive after he accepts a last-minute invitation to cook in the royal kitchens.
Over the next five Christmases, Jack and Olive continue to run into each other, but Olive has a heavy secret. On Christmas Day, 1957, Queen Elizabeth prepares for the first televised Christmas address as Olive prepares to tell Jack her shocking truth.
Four Weddings and a Christmas
Book Summary
Freya runs a successful business called Cottage Angels, and it’s her job to prepare the holiday homes of the Lake District for the Christmas visitors. She thinks of every detail, from cinnamon-scented candles to seasonal treats.
If only she could control the details of her love life the way she runs her business. After being hurt by past relationships, Freya is determined to steer clear of romance… but she somehow convinces herself that a no-strings-attached holiday fling with her handsome ex-boyfriend would be ok.
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year
Book Summary
Maggie, a cozy mystery author, and Ethan, who writes thrillers, have both been sent cryptic invitations to attend a Christmas house party at the English estate of a reclusive fan. When they arrive, they discover that their host is the most famous mystery writer in the world, Eleanor Ashley.
But overnight, Eleanor disappears from a locked room. While Maggie and Ethan are NOT fans of each other, they will have to get along to solve the mystery of Eleanor’s disappearance.
Thoughts On This Book
This rivals-to-lovers locked room mystery has something for everyone to enjoy!
Once Upon a Wardrobe
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
4.3 out of 5
97% Would Recommend to a Friend
Book Summary
Promising physics student Megs is attending Oxford in 1950 and prefers facts to creativity. However, her beloved but critically ill, 8-year-old brother is obsessed with a world created in a book – The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. When he asks her to find out where Narnia came from, she can’t refuse his plea.
When she tracks down the Lewis brothers, who are also at Oxford, they graciously invite her for tea. While they fill her with stories she can pass along to her brother, she doesn’t understand why he won’t answer her most important question about the origin of Narnia.
Thoughts On This Book
While there are sad moments, this book is also described as filled with hope and warmth. Just what we all need on a cold winter night!
Christmas Wishes at the Chocolate Shop
Book Summary
Master chocolatier Charlee is ready to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps by setting up a chocolate shop in the seaside town of Whitsborough Bay. She’s found the perfect location, but it needs some major TLC before she opens. With Christmas looming, it’s a rush to refurbish the shop in time for the holiday season.
Her boyfriend is pretty useless, and she doesn’t have a traditional family, so the countless DIY disasters she faces are extra overwhelming. Help arrives in the form of her plumber, Matt, who renews her Christmas spirit.
About the Series
This book is part of the 4-book Christmas on Castle Street series. All three books are currently included with Kindle Unlimited.
Murder at the Christmas Carols
Book Summary
Ellie is trying to juggle jobs and a sick daughter, and her wish is to make it to the New Year without any more problems. But then her mother-in-law moves in.
Things get even worse when her estranged friend, Andrea, collapses, and it becomes clear she was murdered. Along with her daughter and mother-in-law, Ellie follows the clues to solve the mystery. This unlikely trio of Blix women must find the killer, even if that really annoys her detective inspector ex-husband.
About the Series
There are currently 9 books in the Wootton Windmill series included with Kindle Unlimited! The 7th book is also Christmas-themed and was published in 2024.
The publisher has stated that these are light, uplifting reads with no bad language, sex, or violence on the page.
Christmas Wishes at Pudding Hall
Book Summary
Christa’s life has been turned upside down – her marriage ended, and she lost her Michelin-starred restaurant. She never expected to be single and job hunting right before Christmas. Thankfully, her best friend has recommended her for a gig as a private chef for the holidays. She doesn’t know what to expect, but it turns out that her new employer is a grumpy billionaire with two rambunctious twin sons living on a beautiful but dreary country estate.
When she arrives at Pudding Hall, she’s determined to make the holidays a little cheerier for this family of three, and she might just get her own life back on track in the process.
Thoughts On This Book
Make sure you have plenty of snacks on hand when you settle in to read this book because it will definitely make you hungry! But you’re in luck because some recipes are included between the chapters.
If you enjoy books with food themes, be sure to also check out our list of fiction books about food.
The Merry Christmas Project
Book Summary
When Merry’s future plans suddenly take an unexpected turn, she decides to throw herself into helping organize a holiday event for the town.
Cole is divorced, and his wife and kids have moved away. He can’t stand the idea of spending the upcoming holiday without them, so he’s working hard to get his new house finished in time for them to visit.
We see the story from both points of view as Merry and Cole meet and develop feelings for one another.
Reader Thoughts On This Book
The only complaint readers seem to have about this book is that the ending feels a bit rushed, but it’s also described as a festive read that really captures the heart of Christmas.
Notting Hill in the Snow
Book Summary
Viola Smith plays the viola (what are the chances?) in the orchestra of the London Opera, but her newest challenge can’t rely on her musical talents alone. This year, she’s been tasked with organizing the nativity play for a school in Notting Hill as part of an outreach program.
Nate Williams isn’t looking forward to Christmas, but when his young daughter is cast in a starring role in the nativity, the single father has to set aside his grinchy ways.
Nate steps up to volunteer with Viola and soon sparks are flying between them.
About the Setting
Notting Hill is a posh district in West London known for its iconic pastel-colored homes, thriving independent shops, cutting-edge theaters, and many famous residents.
Readers describe this as a clean romance with plenty of swoon-worthy moments.
Book Summary
Most of us will be familiar with the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a grumpy and selfish man who is visited by the ghosts of his former business partner, as well as the spirits of Christmas past, present, and yet to come.
These magical and mysterious visits help him embrace a kinder approach to life and Christmas.
Why This Book Made the List
This book made the list of our readers’ all-time favorite classic novels. The magical realism elements of this story have resulted in many modern retellings, a couple of which you’ll find right here on this list.
Here’s what some of our readers said:
The message is timeless. The characters are timeless. And the season of the year is timeless. Sure, I have no clue what is in most of the food mentioned, but I don’t care because it teaches a lesson I want to hear every year. -Jessica F.
This book greatly influenced the modern US celebration of Christmas and has been adapted hundreds of times in every manner and format. It is enjoyable to read the original. -Jen R.
Christmas At The Borrow A Bookshop
Book Summary
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 standalone for Christmas before reading book one.
Magnús is from Iceland and is a former bookseller who is trying to overcome 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 aloud together help revive the Christmas spirit?
About the Series
This is the second book in the Borrow a Bookshop series, and the only one that is set during the holiday season. It reads well as a standalone.
The Toymakers
Book Summary
By 1917, London was in the shadow of WW1. But in the Mayfair neighborhood, Papa Jack’s Toy Emporium is a place of hope where children’s dreams come true. Papa Jack has sold magical toys for years, including patchwork dogs and bears that seem alive, toy boxes bigger on the inside than out, ‘instant trees’ that sprout from boxes, and even tin soldiers that can fight battles on their own.
Jack’s sons, Emil and Kaspar, are now old enough to work in the family business. When 16-year-old Cathy arrives, homeless and vulnerable, they take her in, and she discovers that while all toy shops are places of wonder, only one is truly magical.
What to Expect in This Novel
The Toymakers is told from Cathy’s perspective from the time she arrives until the 1950s, spanning both World Wars.
Readers note that when WW2 begins, the tone of the book gets darker and drifts into more of a fairy tale. Some enjoy the book even more after this point, while others prefer the first half. If you’re looking for a light Christmas read, consider skipping this one.
Murder on Mistletoe Lane
Book Summary
Stella is about to spend her first Christmas season as the “Lady” of Morrington Hall. As an expat who married an aristocrat, she’s eager to embrace all the yuletide traditions in the English countryside. She’s thrown herself into starting a horse farm charity for the holidays. Initially, she doesn’t notice items disappearing from her bedroom. But then her housekeeper, Mrs. Nelson, is found dead in the cold on Mistletoe Lane.
Stella wonders if someone else on her staff knows the killer, but then another person dies at a Boxing Day race. Stella and her husband, Lyndy, must figure out what to do to save the estate’s reputation and keep themselves alive until the new year.
Royal Holiday
Book Summary
When Vivian tags along on her daughter’s work trip to England over the holidays, romance is the last thing on her mind. But when Malcolm, the Queen’s private secretary, offers to give her a private tour of the country estate, she can’t deny the attraction.
What begins as a flirtation in the days leading up to Christmas escalates into a steamy fling the week after. The pair agrees that their relationship must end on New Year’s Day, but will they really be able to walk away from one another when the new year begins?
Thoughts on This Book
This is the fourth book in Jasmine Guillory’s Wedding Date series, but it reads very well as a stand-alone (it’s the only one in the series that Angela has read), and it’s a great choice if you are looking for a steamy romance read between two 50-something main characters.
Hercule Poirot’s Christmas
Book Summary
On Christmas Eve, four estranged brothers have been called home by their widowed father. But, the reunion goes awry when there is a crash and scream after dinner. The family rushes upstairs to find their father dead with a slash in his throat.
Everyone seems to have an alibi, along with their own reasons for disliking the man. Hercule Poirot arrives to investigate, but the family is resistant to his help.
A Christmas Classic
This classic murder mystery is the 20th book in Agatha Christie’s beloved investigator series, but you can read it as a stand-alone holiday novel.
10 Things That Never Happened
Book Summary
Sam spends his time managing a bed and bath store, and they’re heading into their busy season before the holidays. While it’s not the most glamorous career, he loves the team of misfits that keep everything running smoothly. The only real downside is the infuriating owner.
Jonathan regrets hiring Sam and has summoned him to London for a difficult conversation. When Sam arrives, he’s overly nervous, trips, and hits his head. And then somewhat accidentally implies that he doesn’t remember anything.
Could faking amnesia prevent him from being fired and give Sam and Jonathan a fresh start? And how can he manage to secretly help plan the company Christmas party when he isn’t supposed to remember anything?
About this Genre
While this isn’t marketed as a Christmas novel, multiple storylines do revolve around Christmas, which surprised Melissa when she read it this summer.
The Night Before Christmas
Book Summary
On Christmas Eve in Northwest England, four men who had gone on a walk are missing. Finding them before nightfall is essential because they’re unlikely to survive the brutal cold after dark.
After several hours, the first man is found. But it’s clear he’s been murdered. With a snowstorm approaching, DI Walker must catch the killer before the trail is buried forever.
About the Series
Reviewers say you can easily pick up this suspenseful book without reading the others in the series, and you won’t be lost. If you already enjoyed this book, pick up book #5 in the series, The Killer in the Cold.
Christmas Shopaholic
Book Summary
Becky loves all the Christmas traditions, from carolers to festive sweaters to her mum and dad hosting. Except that this year, her parents have moved to the trendy new neighborhood of Shoreditch, and they’ve asked Becky to take over the hosting duties.
Her sister is demanding a vegan turkey, her daughter has her heart set on one very specific gift, and her husband won’t tell her what he wants. Add in a surprise appearance from her old boyfriend (and his pushy new girlfriend), and this Christmas is beginning to feel pretty chaotic.
Our Thoughts About This Book
We are both big fans of the funny Shopaholic series, and Christmas Shopaholic did not disappoint! This winter 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 when reading Sophie Kinsella, so we’re putting this in the category of holiday self-care stress relief!
Book Summary
In this prequel to A Christmas Carol, we see orphans Clara and Jacob Marley trying to survive in the poorest section of London. Each night, Jake tells his sister that “tomorrow will be better.”
When he sees a chance to escape poverty, he pursues it, eventually partnering with Ebenezer Scrooge. But Clara can see the truth—that hardening his heart may lead to a terrible fate.
Thoughts On This Book
This short book (162 pages) is perfect for picking up before watching or reading the classic, A Christmas Carol.
The Christmas Swap
Book Summary
This festive, funny, and heartwarming Christmas novel is the perfect Hallmark-style armchair travel read that balances friendship and romance! Chloe, Jules, and Lucy met on vacation as kids. 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.
Why We Think You’ll Love It
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!
Title Note
There are numerous Christmas novels with this same title, so be sure to also check the author before purchasing or adding this to your library holds.
The Christmas Wish
Book Summary
Gwen is newly single, and her career as a lawyer is hanging by a thread. She hopes that returning to the countryside for a family Christmas will be just the reset she needs to get back on track at work and in love.
The day after Christmas, she wakes up to discover that it’s Christmas again. The same eggnog and family arguments are stuck on repeat. As she tries to navigate this bizarre situation, the boy next door is the bright spot each day with his humor and kindness. But how do you make a relationship with someone who forgets you each time the day starts over?
Mr. Dickens and His Carol
Book Summary
Did you know that Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in only six weeks? This novel takes that fascinating piece of history and reimagines what those weeks were like for Dickens and those around him.
The novel begins with Charles learning that his latest book, Martin Chuzzlewit, has been a flop in America. His publishers provide one way out of the money he now owes them – write a Christmas book in a month, or they will call in his debts, and he could lose everything. His wife has just given birth to their 5th child, so failure is not an option.
Fun Background Info
If you enjoy A Christmas Carol, don’t miss this fun list of 10 facts about Dickens’ classic.
Christmas is All Around
Book Summary
As a child actress, Charlotte starred in a classic Christmas movie, and her fans won’t let her forget it. Now, word is out that she’s the reason that plans for a reboot aren’t happening, and she needs a place to hide away.
She flees to London to spend the weeks leading up to the holiday with her sister. She goes to Eden Priory to view the extraordinary Christmas decorations, only to discover that it was also a filming location from her iconic movie. When a fan spots her, she ends up needing a ride back to London from the owner’s son, Graham.
Charlotte’s current career as an illustrator leads her to accept a commission to illustrate iconic holiday movie scenes from around London. Graham offers to escort her from site to site, as long as she agrees to host an art workshop at Eden Priory. He knows that a visit from a holiday star would help them raise much-needed funds to keep their historic house running.
Printable Version of this List
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Join Our Christmas Reading Mini Challenge
Can’t get enough seasonal reading? Neither can we! We have a self-paced Christmas reading challenge just for you. To make it easy and fun, we include highly-rated book recommendations for each of the Christmas reading prompts.
