Books to Curl Up with During the Holidays

Here’s a December reading list to take you through to the new year.

12.18.23
Books to Curl Up with During the Holidays (Getty Images)

As the holiday season unfolds and the cold weather settles in, there is no better place to warm up but nestled in a good book. 

Whether you’re curled up by the fireplace or sun-soaked on the beach, there are many books to read to transport you to a different world and add a magical touch to your holidays. 

@arab3l1a 12 CHRISTMAS SEASON BOOKS YOU NEED TO READ🎄🎅❄️ #christmasbooks#christmasbookrecs#bookrecs#booktok#bookrecommendations#readinglist#goodreads#booktoker#christmas2023#christmasaesthetic#holidaybooks ♬ Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee

Here are 10 holiday books you should read this season. 

In a Holidaze” by Christina Lauren 

A romantic novel that follows the life of Maelyn Jones, who finds herself in a time loop during the holidays. Throughout the book, she discovers what happens when Christmas wishes come true with second chances and the possibility of love. 

Only for the Holidays” by Abiola Bello

Another holiday romance novel that is centered around a fake relationship between city girl Tia Thornton and country boy Quincy Parker. The story follows two as their worlds suddenly collide at Christmas. 

You Make It Feel like Christmas” by Toni Shiloh

A Christmas tale about Starr Lewis, who returns home jobless and single for the holidays. As she’s surprised by her sister marrying her ex-boyfriend, Starr explores a new connection with her brother’s best friend, Waylon Emmerson. She soon has to decide if she wants to go back to New York City or stay to explore a new love.

Booked for the Holidays” by Chelsea Curto

Dive into the world of Bridget Boylston, a bookstore owner in small town Park Cove, Florida, who finds out about an incentive of $100,000 for the most decorated bookstore. Excited about the opportunity, she discovers she has to pair up with her grumpy next-door shop neighbor, Theo Garnder. 

Finding Christmas” by Karen Schaler

Finding Christmas shows how “sometimes the detour in your journey is the path to true love,” from the writer of the Netflix movie, A Christmas Prince, and Christmas Camp

The Twelve Dates of Christmas” by Jenny Bayliss 

This festive rom-com explores 34-year-old Kate Turner who, determined to find love, goes on a series of twelve Christmas dates. Each date brings a different set of challenges and surprises, keeping the reader on their toes to see if Kate finds true love. 

Kiss Her Once for Me” by Alison Cochrun 

Another holiday rom-com about Ellie Oliver, a woman who fakes an engagement with her landlord as she is desperate for money. However, after the plan is set in stone, she then suddenly falls for his sister making this story even more challenging than it once was. 

Royal Holiday” by Jasmine Guillory

Embark on a royal adventure with Vivian Forest as she accompanies her daughter Maddie to England for Christmas. Unexpectedly, Vivian finds herself falling for a private secretary along the way, taking this holiday romance on a bumpy sleigh ride. 

Wreck the Halls” by Tessa Bailey

A holiday romance comedy about two childhood friends and former rock stars, Melody Gallard and Beat Dawkins, who team up to convince their mothers to play at a concert on Christmas Eve.

A Christmas to Remember” by Beverly Jenkins 

Set in the town of Henry Adams, this book explores the value and essence of community, love, and holiday joy as people come together to create a Christmas celebration to be remembered for many years to come. 

Kailyn Rhone, (she/her) is from Florida, but is an NYC-based journalist covering education, technology and culture. Follow her on X: @onlykailyn. 

Edited by Nykeya Woods

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