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Here’s a list of 10 new holiday books to help get you in the festive mood this holiday season!
All I Want for Christmas is You is playing everywhere you go, there’s twinkling lights shining bright and the world is embracing all the holiday cheer. There’s nothing like the holidays and that’s one reason why it’s so special too.
While you got a plan of which holiday movies to watch this year, you should also add some holiday reads to your TBR. It seems every year there’s more to choose from, which is wonderful!
So I put together this handy list of 10 new holiday books that all sound promising and vary in genre and content. BTW, if your book club is looking for more selections that includes older titles with book club questions, check out my 2024 Christmas book club list.
Another reason to embrace holiday reading is while yes, the holidays are so lovely, there is sometimes stress too for a variety of reasons. Reading is something that you do for you. Even in this busy time period, make a plan to read a chapter or two or even 10. Read when you can. You deserve a break too!
Let’s get to the list of 10 new holiday books for 2024!
The Merry Matchmaker by Shelia Roberts
Bestselling author Shelia Roberts is back with a new holiday novel, The Merry Matchmaker. This novel is inspired by Jane Austen’s Emma, and follows a woman named Frankie, a widow who tries to help all her loved ones find their happy-ever-afters.
However, her “help” usually ends in disaster. But that doesn’t stop her from trying to find a match for Mitch, the kind-hearted store owner who has been there for Frankie through her toughest times.
This sounds like the ideal holiday comfort read as Frankie owns a holiday shop so expect lots of festive cheer. Also, many of the characters are in their 40s and 50s so a nice change from characters in their 20s or early 30s. This is a great pick if you want something Hallmark-like.
All I Want Is You by Falon Ballard
Exes, professional rivals, and forced proximity at a remote inn before Christmas? That sounds like a holiday read to add to the top of your TBR!
All I Want Is You follows Jessica, a small-time romance author, and her ex, Nick, who is also a romance writer. However, he’s hit big-time success writing love stories without a happy ending, something that Jessica knows all too well.
But when professional obligations force them to stay in the same remote inn right before Christmas, and then they get trapped there during a snowstorm, it may make them realize the Mariah Carey song is singing the truth after all.
This is a great selection for romance readers who are looking for all the best aspects of a romance, including some holiday spice, with plenty of festive vibes.
The December Market by RaeAnne Thayne
Romance writer RaeAnne Thayne returns with a new holiday romance. In The December Market, Amanda is wary of the new man her grandmother is dating. And his grandson Rafe is also not a fan of the match either. The two first connect over their protectiveness, but soon become more drawn to each other.
This second chance romance promises plenty of Christmas vibes. It will also cover emotional issues as Amanda and Rafe both are overcoming painful pasts. But with the promise of a happy ending for all. Sometimes that’s exactly the kind of book you need.
Most Wonderful by Georgia Clark
If you’re fan of Love Actually with the multiple storylines, you’ll have to check out Most Wonderful by Georgia Clark. This queer holiday romance follows three adult siblings, each at a personal and romantic crossroads, who reunite with their larger-than-life mother at her Catskills manor for an unforgettable Christmas.
Romance, overlapping stories, family dynamics all set around the holiday season? This promises to be a charming and great addition to your holiday reading season.
The Most Wonderful Time by Jayne Allen
For those who love watching The Holiday each year, you’ll have to add The Most Wonderful Time by Jayne Allen to your list. Two women experiencing tough times eventually swap homes, and it changes both of their lives forever.
While lighter on holiday vibes, this one covers escapism fun but also heartbreak, hope, love, and the joy that comes from rediscovering oneself.
Love You a Latke by Amanda Elliott
If you’re seeking a Hanukkah-themed romance, be sure to check out Love You a Latke by Amanda Elliott. This holiday story features the fake dating trope as Abby has to fake a relationship with the annoying but charming Seth, in order to help secure vendors for her Vermont town’s Hanukkah festival.
Those type of situational romances are very entertaining and this one sounds like a cozy and fun story.
Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
The fantastic historical fiction writing team Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb return with a new holiday story that is targeted toward fans of The Crown and When Harry Met Sally. The story begins in December 1952 as young Queen Elizabeth II finds her footing as the new monarch.
The reader follows two old friends who are reunited during her Christmas Day radio broadcast. Olive is an aspiring BBC reporter covering the holiday celebration while Jack is working at the royal kitchen. As Jack and Olive’s paths continue to cross over the following five Christmases, they grow ever close.
This will be a wonderful pick for the holiday season. Perfect for those who love historical fiction, particularly those that involves the royals in some way.
A Home for the Holidays by Taylor Hahn
If you’re looking for a holiday story about imperfect families, definitely check out A Home for the Holidays by Taylor Hahn. This story follows Mel, a wedding singer who unexpectedly loses her mother two weeks before Christmas. While they had a complicated relationship due to her mother’s alcoholism, the loss hits her hard.
So when her mother’s estranged best friend enters her life and invites Mel to her home for the holidays, she agrees. And soon she is swept up with this family’s dynamics, while also learning more about her mother.
This promises to be a heartfelt and impactful read.
Christmas is All Around by Martha Waters
Christmas is All Around by Martha Waters is charming rom-com about embracing the holiday season. A former child actor named Charlotte tries to leave behind her past acting identity, but it’s hard to do when she stared in one of the most beloved holiday movies of all time.
When she runs into Graham, he knows a visit from a holiday star will help bring business to his family’s historic house. The two soon team up, and perhaps a romance is in the works as well?
If you’re looking for sweet romcom with lots of Christmas cheer, this will be a great choice.
The Christmas Cookie Wars by Eliza Evans
Okay, how cute is this cover? Love it! This story follows Melody, a mom willing to do anything to get her twin boys excited about Christmas again. Ever since they lost their father, they have questioned the point of Christmas.
When she finds out the school cookie committee is out of commission, she decides to take on the title herself. However, an argument with the school principal starts a town-wide bake-off between her and the principal. But will this competition between the two soon become romantic?
This one sounds charming and I love the cookie competition aspect of it. I think it also sounds like a compelling pick as it does feature a single mom with kids, and ways to overcome grief during the holidays.
Happy holidays!
