I absolutely LOVE reading, and there's something very special about being able to combine two of your passions together. In this case, that would be Christmas-themed novels. Have you ever tried them? They're a bit of a hit-and-miss, but when they're good, they're like a balm on your soul.
While I was perusing the Christmas category on Goodreads, I figured I would share with you the top 10 new releases that I want to read during the holidays (although I'm not sure I'll get to read more than like 4 or 5 of these because time is a slippery thing and I never have enough).
I already read one that didn't do it for me (Seven Days of Us), and I'm about halfway through another one that's not exactly a home-run yet (A Cosy Candlelit Christmas), so I won't be including them in this list.
Let me know if you've read any of these books and what you thought of them!
10 NEW CHRISTMAS NOVELS
Holiday Spice by Samantha Chase
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Synopsis: Darcy Shaughnessy has gotten used to her overbearing brothers chasing away any man she wants to date. But a chance meeting with a brooding artist is about to make this holiday season one to remember. There's only one thing Benjamin Tanner loves more than his woodcarving: solitude. Then he gets snowed in with Darcy in his cozy cabin in the woods, and their heated feelings begin to melt the icy barrier between them.
Why this book: I always love a good snowed-in story. Bring on the cabin fever!
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Synopsis: Darcy Shaughnessy has gotten used to her overbearing brothers chasing away any man she wants to date. But a chance meeting with a brooding artist is about to make this holiday season one to remember. There's only one thing Benjamin Tanner loves more than his woodcarving: solitude. Then he gets snowed in with Darcy in his cozy cabin in the woods, and their heated feelings begin to melt the icy barrier between them.
Why this book: I always love a good snowed-in story. Bring on the cabin fever!
My New Crush Gave to Me by Shani Petroff
Genre: Contemporary/YA
Synopsis: Charlotte Charlie Donovan knows exactly what she wants for Christmas: Teo Ortiz. She's determined to be Teo's date to the Christmas ball, and she has a plan: To rig the paper's Secret Santa so that she can win his heart with five perfect gifts. But to do that, she needs help. Enter J.D. Ortiz, Teo's cousin, and possibly the most annoying person on the planet.
Why this book: Sounds like a cute YA novel, which is a great way to unwind during the stressful holidays.
Genre: Contemporary/YA
Synopsis: Charlotte Charlie Donovan knows exactly what she wants for Christmas: Teo Ortiz. She's determined to be Teo's date to the Christmas ball, and she has a plan: To rig the paper's Secret Santa so that she can win his heart with five perfect gifts. But to do that, she needs help. Enter J.D. Ortiz, Teo's cousin, and possibly the most annoying person on the planet.
Why this book: Sounds like a cute YA novel, which is a great way to unwind during the stressful holidays.
The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand
Genre: Fantasy/YA
Synopsis: On Christmas Eve five years ago, Holly was visited by three ghosts who showed her how selfish and spoiled she'd become. They tried to convince her to mend her ways. She didn't, and then she died. Now she's stuck working as the latest Ghost of Christmas Past. Every year, they save another miserly grouch, and Holly stays frozen at seventeen while her family and friends go on living without her. But this year, everything is about to change.
Why this book: The plot is incredibly intriguing and unique!
Genre: Fantasy/YA
Synopsis: On Christmas Eve five years ago, Holly was visited by three ghosts who showed her how selfish and spoiled she'd become. They tried to convince her to mend her ways. She didn't, and then she died. Now she's stuck working as the latest Ghost of Christmas Past. Every year, they save another miserly grouch, and Holly stays frozen at seventeen while her family and friends go on living without her. But this year, everything is about to change.
Why this book: The plot is incredibly intriguing and unique!
A Lot Like Christmas: Stories by Connie Willis
Genre: Science Fiction/Short Stories
Synopsis: Christmas comes but once a year--which is too bad, because the stories in this dazzling collection are fun to read anytime. They put a speculative spin on the holiday, giving fans of acclaimed author Connie Willis a welcome gift and a dozen reasons to be of good cheer.
Why this book: I'm a huge fan of science fiction, and it's rare to see a Christmas-themed one. This is going to be my next book for sure!
Genre: Science Fiction/Short Stories
Synopsis: Christmas comes but once a year--which is too bad, because the stories in this dazzling collection are fun to read anytime. They put a speculative spin on the holiday, giving fans of acclaimed author Connie Willis a welcome gift and a dozen reasons to be of good cheer.
Why this book: I'm a huge fan of science fiction, and it's rare to see a Christmas-themed one. This is going to be my next book for sure!
Hope at Christmas by Nancy Naigle
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Synopsis: Sydney Ragsdale is divorced, but her husband is still calling the shots. In an attempt to shake free from his hold, she and her daughter head for Hopewell, NC to a decaying farmhouse that once belonged to her grandparents. After taking a part-time job in the bookstore she used to love as a child, Sydney meets Kevin MacAlea, a single dad in need of a new take on Christmas.
Why this book: This sounds like a Hallmark Movie, which is never a bad thing.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Synopsis: Sydney Ragsdale is divorced, but her husband is still calling the shots. In an attempt to shake free from his hold, she and her daughter head for Hopewell, NC to a decaying farmhouse that once belonged to her grandparents. After taking a part-time job in the bookstore she used to love as a child, Sydney meets Kevin MacAlea, a single dad in need of a new take on Christmas.
Why this book: This sounds like a Hallmark Movie, which is never a bad thing.
Snowflakes, Iced Cakes and Second Chances by Sue Watson
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Synopsis: A year after she separated from her husband, Gianni, on Christmas day, Chloe’s heart is finally on the mend. That is, until the phone rings. It’s the manager of Gianni’s new restaurant begging for Chloe’s help. Equally famous for his gold-leaf Christmas puddings and his explosive temper, Gianni has not been a hit with the locals. Chloe agrees to help her ex husband, but as they tussle over a plate of turkey tartlets, could there also be a chance for new romance on the menu?
Why this book: A romance story about a divorced couple getting back together? I'm interested to see how the author will make this work.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Synopsis: A year after she separated from her husband, Gianni, on Christmas day, Chloe’s heart is finally on the mend. That is, until the phone rings. It’s the manager of Gianni’s new restaurant begging for Chloe’s help. Equally famous for his gold-leaf Christmas puddings and his explosive temper, Gianni has not been a hit with the locals. Chloe agrees to help her ex husband, but as they tussle over a plate of turkey tartlets, could there also be a chance for new romance on the menu?
Why this book: A romance story about a divorced couple getting back together? I'm interested to see how the author will make this work.
We'll Always Have Christmas by Jenny Hale
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Synopsis: Christmas has always been a special time for Noelle Parker. Winter evenings spent with family and friends, drinking hot chocolate and eating cookies at her family’s cozy bakery have shaped her love for all things festive. But this year everything is changing… The beloved bakery is facing closure and Noelle needs a miracle to save Christmas.
Why this book: Another Hallmark-like, sweet romance. Light-hearted reads are a must during the holidays.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Synopsis: Christmas has always been a special time for Noelle Parker. Winter evenings spent with family and friends, drinking hot chocolate and eating cookies at her family’s cozy bakery have shaped her love for all things festive. But this year everything is changing… The beloved bakery is facing closure and Noelle needs a miracle to save Christmas.
Why this book: Another Hallmark-like, sweet romance. Light-hearted reads are a must during the holidays.
Slay Bells Ring by Karen Rose Smith
Genre: Murder Mystery
Synopsis: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially now that Caprice De Luca has wrapped up her holiday-themed staging gig at a stunning historic home. But the joy of the season vanishes entirely when the homeowner is found murdered on Santa Lane, leaving behind his loyal malamute and lots of unfinished business. As Caprice uncovers hidden secrets in Santa's workshop, the pressure is on to catch the culprit... before she's next on a killer's deadly wish list.
Why this book: A murder mystery set around Christmas? Yes please!
Genre: Murder Mystery
Synopsis: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially now that Caprice De Luca has wrapped up her holiday-themed staging gig at a stunning historic home. But the joy of the season vanishes entirely when the homeowner is found murdered on Santa Lane, leaving behind his loyal malamute and lots of unfinished business. As Caprice uncovers hidden secrets in Santa's workshop, the pressure is on to catch the culprit... before she's next on a killer's deadly wish list.
Why this book: A murder mystery set around Christmas? Yes please!
The Christmas Cowboy Hero by Donna Grant
Genre: Contemporary Romance (could be smut...)
Synopsis: Ex-Navy SEAL Clayton East comes home for the holidays, even if the mood at home is anything but festive. His father is ill. The East Ranch is in financial trouble. And now it’s on Clayton to make sure his family doesn’t lose everything. Headstrong Abby Harper is like a mother to her younger brothers. And now that one of them has been arrested for stealing cattle at the East Ranch, Abby is at her wit’s end. But there is a silver lining: Clayton East believes in second chances.
Why this book: I never read smut and it's very hard to tell what's smut and what isn't in the "romance" genre... So this may be smut?
Genre: Contemporary Romance (could be smut...)
Synopsis: Ex-Navy SEAL Clayton East comes home for the holidays, even if the mood at home is anything but festive. His father is ill. The East Ranch is in financial trouble. And now it’s on Clayton to make sure his family doesn’t lose everything. Headstrong Abby Harper is like a mother to her younger brothers. And now that one of them has been arrested for stealing cattle at the East Ranch, Abby is at her wit’s end. But there is a silver lining: Clayton East believes in second chances.
Why this book: I never read smut and it's very hard to tell what's smut and what isn't in the "romance" genre... So this may be smut?
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
Genre: Children - Middle Grade
Synopsis: The Vanderbeekers have always lived in the brownstone on 141st Street. It's practically another member of the family. So when their reclusive, curmudgeonly landlord decides not to renew their lease shortly before Christmas, the five siblings have until New Year's to do whatever it takes to stay in their beloved home and convince the dreaded Beiderman just how wonderful they are.
Why this book: Throwing this one in there in case you have kids. It sounds like such a sweet story!
Genre: Children - Middle Grade
Synopsis: The Vanderbeekers have always lived in the brownstone on 141st Street. It's practically another member of the family. So when their reclusive, curmudgeonly landlord decides not to renew their lease shortly before Christmas, the five siblings have until New Year's to do whatever it takes to stay in their beloved home and convince the dreaded Beiderman just how wonderful they are.
Why this book: Throwing this one in there in case you have kids. It sounds like such a sweet story!
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