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Holiday Novels for Book Lovers
By: Angela & Melissa
Updated:
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we may earn a referral fee from qualifying purchases.From sugar cookie romances to snow-dusted mysteries and merry and bright uplifting fiction, these holiday reads are truly tailor-made for book lovers. Some of the novels on this list are set in libraries and bookstores, while others feature writers or book clubs. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and get ready to find your new favorite holiday novel.
The 23 Best Holiday Books About Books
Most of the books on this list are set at Christmas, but you’ll also find a Hanukkah novel as well as bookish cultural traditions, like the Icelandic jólabókaflóð (the “Yule Book Flood”). We’ve also included one book set during the winter that’s not associated with any holiday for those who simply want a snowy setting.
Twilight at Croftwood Library
Book Summary
Fresh off a break-up, Lois is eager for a change of scenery and she accepts a position managing a small-town library in Croftwood until its impending closure. Soon, however, she finds herself instead fighting to save the library and keep it open.
Local entrepreneur Oliver, who is also negotiating a tricky break-up, is the first to step up and offer to help Lois in her efforts to save the library. Together, they launch a program called the Date with a Book Club.
Consider This Before Reading
This is the second book in Victoria Walker’s Croftwood series. The first book centers around Oliver purchasing an old cinema in the park and partnering with his best friend, Patsy, to bring it back to life. While the Christmas-set second book can be read as a standalone, if you know you’ll want to read the whole series, we recommend starting at the beginning.
The Twelve Books of Christmas
Book Summary
Brooklyn, a book restoration specialist, and her husband Derek, a security expert, are having a Christmas abroad when they get a frantic call from a friend. Claire is in Scotland and has gotten engaged. She wants Brooklyn & Derek to fly in for a quick wedding AND to investigate the mysterious disappearance of twelve rare books from the castle library.
When they arrive at the castle, the case of the missing books is just the beginning. Another guest is poisoned, and then another is killed with an arrow. They must now race to find the missing books AND the killer.
Other Scotland Set Options
This is the 17th book in the Bibliophile Mystery Series, each starring book-restorer Brooklyn. The series blends light suspense and humor, along with plenty of nerdy details about book restoration, and vivid descriptions of the Scottish setting.
All I Want Is You
Book Summary
Jessica may not have experienced her own happily ever after yet, but she’s great at writing them. She spends her days as a small-time romance writer, just as her ex-boyfriend, now her biggest writing rival, does. The difference is that Nick writes romances without happily ever afters.
When a shared professional obligation leaves them snowed in at a remote inn with only one room, Jess and Nick are both fuming. But it turns out that the friction between them might be exactly what these romance writers need to overcome their writer’s block. Soon, the pages start flying.
Our Thoughts On This Book
We both really enjoyed Falon Ballard’s Lease on Love, so we were excited to read her first Christmas offering. The banter and the co-writing scenes did not disappoint. Keep in mind that this one gets quite steamy, so skip it if that’s not your thing.
Book Summary
Erica, Claudia, and Anna are lifelong friends who are heading to the Maple Sugar Inn in picturesque Vermont for their book club holiday. Each woman is around 40 years old, and the milestone birthday has affected them differently. Over the years, their shared love of books has carried them through life’s ups and downs.
Hattie is a 28-year-old widow who manages the Inn. Between work and her 5-year-old daughter, she has her hands full as the holidays approach. Even with distractions all around, she can see that each woman in the visiting book club trio is packing some major emotional baggage. Can these four women unite to improve each other’s lives and make this the start of a new chapter?
Why This Book Made the List
Your club members should love the book talk included throughout this novel and may dream of the well-stocked library shelves at the inn.
Note that this book was originally published in the UK under the alternate title, The Christmas Book Club.
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.
Thoughts On This Book
We always enjoy novels featuring real authors as characters, and when it comes to Christmas, Charles Dickens is undoubtedly the original master.
If you enjoy A Christmas Carol, don’t miss this fun list of 10 facts about Dickens’ classic.
Stranded in Iceland
Book Summary
Felicity (Fliss) is surprised to learn that the books she thought were a flop have actually become bestsellers in Iceland. Eager to capitalize on that popularity, her publisher offers her a book tour in Reykjavik just in time for the holidays. So Fliss leaves her teenage children with her ex-husband and flies north for her once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
The tour company arranged for a man named Brun to guide Fliss around. It starts as a whistle-stop tour of the bookstores and libraries, but soon Brun begins to show her the side of Iceland that locals know and love.
Consider Before Reading
This is the third book in the Icelandic Romance series. Each book features a different couple during the Christmas season, and as such, all read well as standalones.
The first book introduces us to Rachel, who is in Iceland to oversee the opening of a new store for her company, the second features a PR executive and a celebrity wedding, and the fourth is about a volcanologist who comes to Iceland for research.
If you just want a book for book lovers, go straight to Stranded in Iceland. However, if you want to read the whole series to truly immerse yourself in Iceland during the holidays, start from the beginning.
A Very Merry Bromance
Book Summary
This is the 5th book in the Bromance Book Club series, which features male leads who are in a romance book club to learn more about women. Each book features a different member of the club, so you can read this as a standalone book.
Country music star Colton misses his relationship with immigration attorney Gretchen. His music has also struggled since the breakup. Gretchen is also down, but it’s because she’s having a hard time seeing all the excess of Christmas when so many of her clients don’t have money for basic needs.
When Gretchen’s estranged family reaches out with an offer that will help her serve her community, she needs Colton’s help. They want him to be the face of their whiskey brand, which he agrees to in exchange for three dates with Gretchen before Christmas. He’s sure if he can remind her how good they are together, she’ll agree to be with him long-term.
Thoughts On This Book
While we haven’t read this book yet, the prior books in the series are hilarious and a bit steamy, so we expect that this will be a spicy Christmas novel.
Christmas by the Book
Book Summary
Fifty-something husband and wife, Simon and Nora, have run a bookshop in their small British village for more than 30 years. The store is struggling, and the couple realizes that they might be forced to close after the holidays.
When an elderly man visits the shop and purchases a book as a gift for his sick grandson, it gives Nora an idea to spread a little extra cheer while they can.
Nora and Simon gather nominations online for those who could use a little lift in their spirits, and they select six people to whom they anonymously deliver books. The recipients come from diverse backgrounds, but for each of them, the book they receive offers a little extra hope. And in turn, the community may be able to help Nora and Simon find their own happy ending.
Why We Think You’ll Love It
Many readers say that this book was a refreshing change of pace for a Christmas novel because it’s neither a romance nor a cozy mystery.
Book Summary
Rachel is a nice Jewish girl and a Rabbi’s daughter. She also has a big secret she’s been keeping from her family for years. Not only does she love all things Christmas, but she’s also a bestselling author of Christmas romance novels. But this year, her publisher wants something different – a Hanukkah novel. As far as Rachel is concerned, there is nothing magical or merry to write about.
Desperate not to lose her contract, Rachel agrees to volunteer for a Jewish music celebration being held on the last night of Hanukkah. On the upside, she hopes it will inspire her writing. On the downside, it means working closely with her old summer camp archenemy, Jacob.
Thoughts On This Book
Author Jean Meltzer spent five years in rabbinical school before her chronic illness forced her to withdraw. The character of Rachel also deals with chronic illness, providing a counterbalance to the book’s otherwise lighter, humorous premise.
We were very excited to find a second Hanukkah-themed option for this book lover’s prompt, but the rating is a bit lower than we’d hoped. Booked for the Holidays is a novella-length romance featuring an author and an editor, but it’s only available in audiobook form via Audible Original.
Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel
Book Summary
When Anais receives a rundown Paris hotel as part of a divorce settlement, she initially plans to clean it up just enough to sell it as fast as possible. But when selling proves impossible, she devises a new plan. She envisions it as the perfect boutique bookish retreat, but the only way to make it financially feasible is to get it open by Christmas.
Anais didn’t count on the grumpy American bar-owner next door interfering at every step of the way. Nor did she expect to discover a mysterious room that holds the key to a 100-year-old secret. But as the first snowflakes begin to fall over the City of Lights, she knows that no matter what, this Christmas in Paris will be one to remember.
Thoughts On This Book
Spending Christmas in a bookish boutique hotel in Paris sounds absolutely dreamy! If you like to armchair travel, join us for this Parisian escape.
Book Summary
This dark thriller takes place in the five days leading up to Christmas. Despite her tragic childhood, Madeline now owns the thriving bookstore, The Next Chapter Bookshop. Harley wanted to be a novelist, but is now a true crime podcaster. When he arrives in Madeline’s bookshop, he tries to dig into a past she has been trying to forget. Madeline was the only survivor of Evan Handy, who was convicted of murdering her best friend and is still the prime suspect in other disappearances.
However, since Evan Handy went to jail, there have been other disappearances, including one recently. As Christmas approaches, Harley hopes to get to the bottom of the case.
Thoughts On This Book
This is a short thriller at just 260 pages, so it’s perfect if you need a faster read this busy season!
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 before reading book one, especially for Christmas.
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.
Book Summary
Sebastian, a former member of a boy band, needs a ghostwriter for his memoir. The job comes with a penthouse at a luxurious resort in Vermont, so Alix jumps at the opportunity to escape her cramped apartment.
She’s also the perfect person for the job because, as a music journalist, she was the last person to interview the band’s lead singer before he disappeared.
As she digs through her client’s notes for the memoir, she also hopes to uncover the truth about the disappearance. However, she’s going to have some fun along the way as she begins ski lessons at the resort. Her instructor is the swoon-worthy Tyler, and soon they are connecting on and off the slopes.
Why This Book Made the List
While this list primarily features Christmas novels about book lovers, we wanted to include this one title that provides all the snowy, cozy vibes without a holiday tie-in for those who might prefer that option.
Readers report this is a low spice book, so if you love romance without steamy scenes, this is for you!
The Secret Christmas Library
Book Summary
After finding a priceless antique book in her great aunt’s attic, Mirren Sutherland found her way into an unexpected career as an antiquarian book hunter. This Christmas season, she’s been hired by the young laird of a Highland clan to search for a book that may or may not exist. Desperate to save his family’s estate, which includes a vast, crumbling castle, Jamie McPherson is hoping that the family lore proves true and that somewhere in the castle’s collection is a rare book so valuable it could solve all his problems.
On her train journey to the Highlands, Mirren knows it’s no coincidence when she bumps into a rival book hunter named Theo. He always seems to turn up anytime a treasure needs locating.
Shortly after Mirren and Theo arrive at the castle, they are snowed in by a blizzard. Together with Jamie, they begin trying to unpuzzle the clues left by Jamie’s grandfather, the former laird of the castle.
Why We Think You’ll Love It
Scottish author Jenny Colgan is well known for her novels about book lovers, including The Bookshop on the Corner, which has been popular with our readers in the Book Voyage Challenge.
If you’re looking for a quick read this holiday season, consider picking up her 2024 novella, The Christmas Book Hunt, which first introduces Mirren’s character.
A Novel Christmas
Book Summary
Saira has had a successful career as a romance writer, but she’s been in a recent slump, with her last three books failing to meet expectations. Her publisher has decided to put her current work-in-progress on hold and instead wants her to write a holiday book – Saira’s least favorite kind of romance novel.
Determined to save her career, Saira decides to pack her bags and head to Santa Claus, Indiana, in search of the holiday spirit she’ll need to complete this writing assignment. She arranges to rent a property for her stay but doesn’t expect the rental manager to be a handsome volunteer firefighter and football coach.
Our Thoughts On This Book
We love books about books, so a book about a reluctant holiday romance writer is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
This holiday romance is a mix of cozy and very steamy! In addition to some detailed open-door scenes, this book also includes quite a bit of adult language, so skip this one if that’s not your thing.
Also, keep in mind that Dorian, the male lead, is dealing with the loss of his wife. His grief plays a significant role throughout the novel, which may be triggering for readers who have lost a spouse or a loved one (this is revealed early on in the novel – no spoilers, we promise).
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 work together 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!
Book Summary
Some people are Christmas people. Jill is not! She had her heart broken on Christmas day three years ago, then she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her screenwriting dreams and didn’t look back. She hasn’t been back to her suburban Illinois hometown since then. Until now…
After a very hazy night back home, Jill wakes up to a picture-perfect movie version of her town. She eventually realizes that she’s stuck in a “Heartfelt” Christmas movie starring real people from her life, including her family, her high school crush, and her ex.
The only way Jill will be able to escape this movie reality is to complete the plot. But everyone knows that Christmas movies always include a holiday romance… so Jill will have to act one out while her ex watches.
Our Thoughts On This Book
The plot of this story reminds us of many of the books we found for the “Characters Becoming Part of the Story” prompt in our Book Lover’s Reading Challenge.
While Jill is a screenwriter rather than a book author, the premise of her having to write her way out sounds equally perfect for book lovers and fans of holiday romance movies.
Hope at Christmas
Book Summary
After a painful divorce, Sydney returns home to Hopewell, North Carolina, looking for a fresh start. She and her daughter settle in at the farmhouse that once belonged to her grandparents, and Sydney takes a job at her favorite bookstore, The Book Bea.
Kevin MacAlea (“Mac”) is a history teacher and baseball coach at the local high school. Single dad Mac has been playing the town’s Santa ever since his son was born 12 years ago.
When Sydney meets Mac, a relationship is the last thing on her mind, but they find themselves spending more and more time together.
The holiday season starts out magical, but things take a turn when a catastrophe forces The Book Bea to close. Then things get worse when Sydney’s ex-husband breaks a promise to their daughter, causing her to run away.
Book Summary
When he’s not at university, popular and charming Trey Anderson helps at his family’s London bookstore, Wonderland. Creative classmate Ariel needs a job to make tuition money for her dream art program, and Wonderland has an opening.
When they learn that the bookstore is at risk of closing due to the gentrification of the surrounding neighborhood, Trey and Ariel decide to team up. With the Christmas Eve deadline looming, they turn to social media to help spread the word.
Consider This Before Reading
Reviewers say that this dual-point-of-view young adult novel was made for book lovers and that there is a lot of focus on family and community outside of the romance storyline.
While it’s set during the Christmas season, this one is not very holiday-focused. However, it does feature a 66-track Christmas playlist filled with Black artists that many readers specifically note enjoying.
Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop
Book Summary
When Rosie unexpectedly inherits a bookstore in Scotland, she leaves behind a bland relationship to relocate across the globe. Imagine her surprise to learn that the Highland Hearts bookstore is hiding a surprise. In addition to selling books, the shop runs an underground magical matchmaking service. And as the new owner, Rosie is expected to deliver on those matches with the help of a meddling book club.
It would be much easier if Rosie believed in love. But she doesn’t. Or so she thought before she found her heart all aflutter for a local bird nerd named Alexander MacTavish. He’s tall, dark, and grumpy, and like her, he seems to be determined to avoid love. Nonetheless, Rosie finds herself wanting to read up on birds as a way to catch his attention.
As her newfound magic falters and she is forced into a cutthroat Christmas window decorating competition, Rosie finds herself working side by side with Alexander and questioning if one of the matches she’s meant to make is for herself.
Thoughts On This Book
Come for the Christmas magic and stay for the adorable rescued puffin and all the accompanying puffin puns!
This novel is narrated in a dual first-person perspective. One reader compares the story to the movie Practical Magic if it were set in a bookshop, but other readers say they wish the novel had featured more matches being made.
Tricia O’Malley also authored A Kilt for Christmas, which features a Scottish Christmas Book Festival, an American professor, and a meddling group of elderly book club members.
A Bookshop Christmas
Book Summary
For young widow Megan Taylor, returning home to her family’s bookshop in York, England, was meant to be a fresh start. Instead, however, it just gave her a place to hide from the real world.
But a chance encounter with an award-winning author has jolted her awake from her self-imposed hibernation. Not only did he run his supermarket trolley into her ankles, but he also proceeded to disparage her taste in books. And with that, Megan realized it was time for her to start living again, if for no other reason than to put Xander Stone in his place.
Thoughts On This Book
It appears that this clean, slow-burning romance was originally intended to be the first in a series, but a sequel has yet to be published.
All Wrapped Up in You
Book Summary
Fresh off a painful divorce, Mathilda “Mat” Kincaide has a singular focus on taking over her family’s chain of bookstores. But it’s hard for her not to be distracted by the new hire, Camdyn Stone, who can best be described as having the look of a hot librarian.
Camdyn is a talented writer, but she’s suffering from writer’s block. With a Christmas deadline looming, she takes the job at Kincaide Book hoping that she’ll be able to draw inspiration to complete her novel and avoid becoming a one-hit-wonder. She’s found inspiration all right, but not the kind she was looking for. Her attraction to her boss could become a real distraction.
Thoughts On This Book
With an element of mystery mixed into the story, readers describe this book as a mix of cozy and spicy. The whimsical bookstore plays host to a snarky, bow-tie-wearing cat and an eclectic group of patrons, including the old ladies in the Smut Club.
Book Summary
Riven is going through a messy divorce and has a bad case of writer’s block, so he decides to escape LA and heads to a mountain cabin near the ski resort town of Park City, Utah. He hopes that the peace and quiet, away from his chaotic family, will give him the time he needs to get some work done. But before he knows it, his family is at the door. To make matters worse, the cabin has been double-booked, and he’s now stuck also sharing the space with a family of strangers just as loud and boisterous as his own.
Worst of all, he’s forced to share a bunk bed with Wendy – a feisty and gorgeous New Yorker playwright who knows just how to get under his skin. Sharing a room with her is a sweet form of torture, and Riven isn’t sure what he dreads more – spending yet another night with her, or knowing how soon he’ll have to say goodbye to her.
Why We Think You’ll Love This Book
Told from a dual-POV, this fun holiday romance is filled with plenty of pranks that will make you laugh out loud. If you enjoy books about authors, you’ll love seeing how Riven’s book comes together with Wendy’s help.
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