As the holiday season is right across the corner and in this cold weather there is nothing better than cozying up indoors and having a good book to keep you company. To keep the festive spirit of Christmas alive a heartwarming book or an adventurous one is a must read!
From romantic escapades in snowy towns to stories of familial bonds, friendship and the magical vibes of the season, the reading list this winter has something to offer everyone. They range from classics like A Christmas Carol to modern day gems like Royal Holiday and these novels will send you into realms brimming with nostalgia, happiness and a touch of the festive season. Whatever one craves these novels have to offer, so grab a cup of coffee and hop on your cozy couch and take a good read from one of these novels mentioned as follows!
In a Holidaze
Published in October 2020. In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren quickly became a hit sensation and a famous holiday read. This novel that follows the themes of romance, love, comedy, and a magical twist has been written by Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings under a pen name.
This novel centers around a young girl, Maelyn Jones, who is stuck at her family’s Christmas cabin while being caught in a groundhog day style loop. This gives her multiple different chances to fix her mistakes and pursue a relationship with her long time crush, Andrew.
The story blends a mix of holiday charm, family dynamics and relationships, and romance and love, and second chances which creates an engaging and festive read while it hasn’t adapted for live-action yet, it is a strong candidate for a film adaptation as its cinematic premise and the loveable storyline has captured the hearts of many of its readers.
One Day in December
First published in 2018 for the first time, One Day in December, written by Josie Silver is a New York Times bestseller! It is a modern time avant-garde, decadal romance involving the love affair of Laurie and Jack who happen to experience an intense bond as their eyes meet one snowy December day through a bus window.
Fate hinders their romantic fiction when Laurie uncovers that Jack is in a relationship with Sarah, her best friend. The plot thickens over a decade exploring romance, breakup and nuances of the connection they share. Based in London this book flawlessly includes the narratives of destiny, coordination and the strong bond of friendship and love. The books charisma and emotional value caused it to gained a spot in Reese-Witherspoons’ Hello Sunshine book club.
Though there is no onscreen adaptation but the novels in-depth story narrative has earned the favour of the readers. This book also includes topics like missed opportunities and the humanistic approach of believing in personal groth that resonates an extreme depth with the readers making it one of the best books to be read during the holiday season.
The Christmas Table
Published on October 6th, 2020 as a part of Donna VanLiere’s beloved Christmas hooked series is an extremely cherished book named The Christmas Table.
VanLiere is known for their heartwarming holiday tales and stories, once again in this book shares an inspirational story that includes the narrative of romance family friends and traditions. The novel includes the times between 1972 to 2012, where two families are connected by a collection of recipes that are handwritten and a kitchen table that is hand crafted.
A wife named Joan who is battling breast cancer finds peace in trying her mother’s handwritten recipes as her husband is busy building a hand-crafted hand table for their family’s future meals and this is portrayed in 1972. On the other hand, in year 2012 a wife names Lauren-Mabrey, who is expecting her firstborn child undercovers a handcrafted table and a bunch of hand written recipes from her house which spark a connection to the past and inspire her on her voyage on faith and love.
The book is praised for its touching narrative and celebrates family bonds and the comforting role that shared customs and traditions.
Seven Days of Us
Published in 2017, Seven Days of Us written by Francesca Hornak explores topics in which familial relationships are tested during a quarantine in Christmas time. This novel includes intense topics like humanity, humor and heartbreak that usually come forward when secrets are no longer able to escape.
Tis story starts with the elder daughter of a family named Olivia Birch, who comes back home after treating a deadly virus overseas hence, must isolate with her family. Her younger sister Phoebe is preoccupied with wedding plans, whilst Emma and Andrew, their parents are facing marital issues and personal revelations. This book unlike the others is against the festive backdrop of Christmas and highlights themes of second chances, forgiveness and love.
This quarantine setting compels the family to bring out their best and worst sights in front of each other and renders them emotionally raw in front of each other. This book contains characters that are extremely relatable and layered due to their internal conflicts and the novel has earned its claim for its twisted blend of emotional wealth and wit.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
An extremely loved 1957s children’s book written by Dr. Suess is, How The Grinch Stole Christmas and it has become a timeless holiday classic all over the world. The story initiates with a frowny green furry creature named The Grinch, who absolutely despises Christmas time and sets out to make this holiday horrible for the people living in Whoville, and he does this by robbing people of their food, decorations and presents.
However, despite all of their things getting robbed the Whos’ jolly celebration of this holiday regardless of their lack of material possessions makes the Grinch realize the true Christmas holiday spirit. This book analyzes benevolence, compassion, warmth, and the magic behind community effort. It’s on-beat text and eccentric illustrations have a charisma that has effected readers for generations.
This story has had multiple adaptations over the years with the most prominent being the 1966 animated TV special, Ron Howards’ 2000 live-action film that starred Jim Carrey, and the 2018 animated film that featured Benedict Cumberbatch. Every adaptation of this book brings its own charming interpretation whilst staying true to its core values and messages.
A Christmas Carol
A holiday bestseller, A Christmas Carol written by Charles Dickens and published in 1843 remains and all time holiday bestseller and one of the most celebrated works in the history of literature. This book a great success upon its initial release and had a selling out on its first print run in less than a week.
It’s never ending popularity has made it a bestseller during Christmas season. The story is initiated with a cold hearted miser named Ebenezer Scrooge, who despises Christmas but on one fateful Christmas Eve the ghost of his late partner visits him, along with Jacob Marley and three spirits representing the past, present and the future of Christmas.
These encounters with the ghosts encouraged Scrooge to confront his selfishness and inspire a profound transformation. This novel is the timeless exploration of human nature because of its themes of generosity, kindness, compassion and redemption which resonate deeply with people. It has inspired an uncountable adaptations including production modern reimaging and films. The authors ability to weave the thread of heartfelt social critique solidifies the story telling.
Holiday Romance
Holiday romance by Catherine Walsh is a wonderful festive novel. Published in October 2022, this is a truly hilarious, comical and remarkable Christmas romantic which follows the friends to lovers trope.
Albeit not a bestseller it has captured the interests of readers with its unique humor and marvelous plotline, making their hearts overflow with warmth focusing on Molly and Andrew, two close friends who have a ten years’ worth tradition of travelling from Chicago to Dublin on Christmas Eve. Alas a terrible now storm comes their way Molly, the female lead takes it upon herself to use any means at her disposal to help Andrew reach his homeland for his families’ holiday festivities. They course through a tough and chaotic journey back home across different planes, trains, boats and feet.
Their friendship is tested throughout their journey of hardship as they navigate the plane the universe seems to strive to transform their platonic bond into something will bloom to much more. This is novel is successful in blending heartfelt moments, emotional scenes, comedic relief, miscommunications and the festive spirit that the holidays bring.
Let It Snow
A Festive novel written by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle published in 2008 is, Let it Snow. This book includes a blend of humor, romance and holiday spirit during a snow storm in Gracetown of three interconnected love stories which unfold.
The first story is followed by a character named Jubilee whose unexpected detour during the holidays leads to a new love, this is named Jubilee Express by Maureen Johnson. The second story is a cheertastic Christmas miracle written by John Green, which follows a boy named Tobin and his friends as they encompass through snowy adventure and realize the depth of their bonds.
The third book by Lauren Myracle, The Patron Saint of Pigs focuses on a girl named Addie, who learns valuable life lessons by confronting her selfishness. The novel is one of the top bestsellers and inspired the Netflix adaptation in 2019, it is an all-time Christmas favourite because of its themes of romance, humanistic growth and residence paired with the festive holiday setting.
The Nutcracker and The Mouse King
The Nutcracker and The Mouse King written by E.T.A Hoffmann, which was released in 1816 is an alluring and inspiring Christmas story. The story centers around Marie who is renamed Clara in modern adaptations, a youthful girl who receives a mystical nutcracker from her godfather on Christmas Eve.
Deep in the night the nutcracker is blessed with life and to the girls surprise he leads her to a fantasy world where they navigate to the sinister Mouse King. After defeating the Mouse King it is revealed that the nutcrackers true identity is a prince, this endearing story explores the themes of bravery, boldness, change and imagination, automatically guaranteeing its fate as a timeless holiday favourite that we all know and love today.
Hoffmann’s work led to the inspired famous Ballet of Tchaikovsky which has been given the honor of being a standard cultural staple during Christmas.
Meet Me Under the Mistletoe
Meet me Under the Mistletoe by Jenny Bayliss was published in November 2022 and is a fulfilling Christmas romance that holds a balance between the blend of humor, comedy, friendship and devotion.
This story starts with Nory Noel, who owns a captivating second hand book store. As she is expected to attend a week’s long wedding in a grand castle, there she is met with her old friends, where they reconnect. Admist this grand wedding she seems to have an unexpexted and surprising spark with Isaac, the castle gardener and her former rival. The novel indulges into the themes of affection, love, grief, loss, personal growth, friendship and the exploration of relationships.
Many readers liked this book for its enriching plot and humor. The atmosphere of the snowy castle mixed with Norys love for reading creates a vivid and mystical backdrop.
Royal Holiday
The New York Times bestseller Royal Holiday written by Jasmine Guillory, blends holiday festivities with a tender romance, this novel navigates readers through a journey of England where an experiences social worker named Vivian Forest joins hands with her daughter Maddie, on a Christmas work trip.
Vivian crosses paths with Malcolm Hudson during royal festivities who is a private secretary to her majesty the queen herself. Their flings and further flirtations, sprout a meaningful connection from which Vivian is greatly challenged to go on and reconsider her priorities as a person and embrace newer possibilities in life.
This novel celebrates the themes of rediscovery and mature love and the happiness and joys of unexpected connections and meetings, all the while coming through with a benevolent, heartfelt and seasoned romance with a side of royalty and humor thrown into the mix. The audience saw Royal Holiday and it immediately captured their hearts for it is the perfect read for the fans of warm festive tales that resemble hallmark movies.
Wreck the Halls
A contemporary holiday romance written by Tessa Bailey, which takes its readers on an emotional rollercoaster, filled with festive charm, tension and chemistry is the book named, Wreck the Halls.
The story is initiated by the son of a rock legend, Beat-Dawkins, and a popstar with a bold personality, Melody Gallard. In order to reignite their parents’ band “Steel Birds” they are forced to collaborate on a Christmas concert.
The novel highlights themes of transformative power of love, resilience and self-discovery as the duo navigates family secrets their undeniable chemistry and a mysterious blackmail scheme. A modern twist is added to the festive tale by the backdrop of the snowy December and live stream performances.
