Every single year, I take great pleasure in treating myself to one (or maybe more, if I’m honest) new-release Christmas books.
There’s something so wholesome about cosying up by the fire with a hot chocolate and allowing myself to get lost in a seriously festive story. But with so many books on the market, it can be hard to know where to start, so I wanted to guide you in the right direction so you know which books may be right up your street.
From TikTok’s most-loved Laurie Gilmore to adored bestseller Sarah Morgan, I read some absolutely amazing books by greatly talented authors, and I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did.
The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore
The Dream Harbour series has become seriously popular thanks to BookTok, and book three in the series is as utterly adorable as the rest. I thought nothing could top the Cinnamon Bun Book Store, but this came pretty close.
Set in an ultra-festive Dream Harbour, the book follows Kira, who recently moved to the small town, but she isn’t feeling the Christmas spirit for many reasons. That is, until she meets the handsome Bennett, and her feelings towards the festive season slowly but surely change.
This was an easy to read, fun Christmas story with a bit of spice thrown in for good measure, despite what the cover would have you think.
You can buy it here.
Lone Wolf in Lights by Stacey Kennedy
If you’re firmly in your cowboy romance era but are looking for something festive, this is perfect for you.
Focusing on some serious – and very important – themes, the book follows Willow and Eli as the main characters. Willow is raising awareness and funds for a charity focusing on domestic abuse with her ‘Empowerment Elves’ project. This also happens to be a cause close to Eli’s heart thanks to his sister, so they become intertwined.
When they decide it’s best to ‘date’ each other, but not for real, will the feelings they have turn into something more, or is it not meant to be? An adorable read if you like festive, but not too cringe.
You can buy it here.
Re-writing Christmas by Kyra Lennon
This book is quintessentially Christmassy, and I absolutely loved it. With an immediately loveable main character, Nova, and a moody but interesting potential love interest Donovan, I was sucked in and wanting to know more.
June, Donovan’s nan, was an adorable addition, and the baking cookies scene was the most wholesome thing I’ve read all year.
This book definitely offered a happily ever after style vibe, but it was a lot more realistic than your average romantic Christmas book, and I appreciated its honesty. Yes, the likelihood of the whole situation happening in real life is incredibly slim, but that’s irrelevant when you’re able to be drawn into a fictional world in the way Lennon draws you in.
You can buy it here.
One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery
This book was a take on a blended-family Christmas, and it’s likely to make you feel like your family is totally normal – no matter how dramatic things can get. So much went down in this book, and it was hard to keep up.
There were lots of interlinking family members to remember, and at times, things got a little confusing, but once you’ve got your head around them, it’s quite an easy read.
It didn’t necessarily make me feel cosy and excited for Christmas – just slightly stressed thanks to everything that went wrong – but I suppose for many, Christmas isn’t the most relaxing time, so it may perhaps be relatable.
You can buy it here.
Snowed in at the Cat Cafe by Rachel Rowlands
This book is absolutely adorable, and if you like cats and Christmas, I reckon you’re going to simply love this.
There are some quite sad and shocking storylines running through it, guaranteed to make you gasp at times, but the Catpurrcino cafe will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, as will Emmie and Jared’s wholesome story.
This slow-burning romance will have you feeling warm and cosy inside, even when the pair are snowed in at the cat cafe – much like the title suggests. A quick, easy, and super cute read. I’ll definitely be picking up the next in the series.
You can buy it here.
The Christmas Cottage by Sarah Morgan
Sarah Morgan rarely fails to impress me, and this book was absolutely no different. Following a rather unusual storyline, Imogen is faking her whole life thanks to her tricky relationship with her family, and lack of social events to attend – but she loves her job so much.
And it’s through her job that she finds out the truth about herself, what she wants, and understands the true meaning of being close with your family.
An emotional and heartwarming read, Sarah Morgan truly does write some of the cosiest books available, and I’m so glad her 2024 release didn’t disappoint.
You can buy it here.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a hot drink, blanket and curl up with one of these new releases. Plus if you love them so much, we’re sure you’re going to mention it on social media…
