15 Best New Holiday Books to Curl Up With—From Festive Magic to Heartfelt Romance
From beloved authors like B.K. Borison and RaeAnne Thayne, these books will make you feel merry and bright!
Glittering twinkle lights, fresh-baked cookies, piles of presents…we love every detail of the holiday season. It’s one of the best times of year for catching up with friends and loved ones, revisiting classic movies like The Holiday and Home Alone and just generally reveling in seasonal magic. And here at Woman’s World, it’s no surprise that our favorite way to unwind and celebrate the festive season is with books! This year, dozens of new holiday books were released in multiple genres—from fantasy to romance, nonfiction and more. If you’re looking for a book that checks all the festive boxes, you’re in the right place! Here, we hand-picked the top 15 best new holiday books for you to cozy up with by the fireplace.
Want to escape to the snowy Scottish Highlands and embark on a treasure hunt? Pick up The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan. If spending the holiday in the big city is more your cup of tea, try Christmas on Fifth Avenue by Julie Caplin—it’s like Eloise at the Plaza meets Serendipity. More in the mood for holiday tales infused with magic? B.K. Borison’s Good Spirits and A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart by Morgan Lockhart both deliver!
Keep scrolling to discover all of the best new holiday books to read this year.
‘A Little Holiday Fling’ by Farah Heron
A sweet and spicy seasonal story unfolds in acclaimed author Farah Heron’s new novel. Ruby Dhanji has always loved Christmas and anything UK-related. Her holidays are filled with warm memories of her late mother—and now she’s finally about to live out their shared dream: opening an inn in England. Enter Rashid, the handsome grump Ruby meets at the Winter Market. As the duo strikes up a friendship, they grow closer and realize that opposites do, in fact, attract.
What readers are saying: “If you’re looking for a festive romance filled with heart, family and a sense of belonging, A Little Holiday Fling is the perfect cozy read for the season. It has likeable characters with layered backstories, plenty of holiday spirit and a story that lingers long after the last page.”
‘Good Spirits’ by B.K. Borison
Bestselling author of the Lovelight series, B.K. Borison is known for cozy, swoony tales, and her latest book follows suit—with a magical holiday twist! Nolan Callahan is the Ghost of Christmas Past—really. This holiday season, he plans to spend his time doing his usual hauntings, but then he’s faced with beautiful Harriet York. Meanwhile, Harriet can’t believe she’s being haunted. As she and Nolan investigate the past, they learn they’re linked. Will keys to the past unlock their futures?
What readers are saying: “I swear this book wrapped me in holiday magic and then went straight for my heart. I picked it up expecting a light festive read and ended up completely swept up in the story of a grumpy Irish ghost and the sunshine woman he’s meant to haunt. Small-town charm, candy canes, antique shop warmth, little moments of wonder and that heart-full feeling you get during the season. It gave me the same comfort as coming inside after being out in the cold.”
‘The Secret Christmas Library’ by Jenny Colgan
If festive stories set in the Scottish Highlands are your cup of tea, you’ll love Jenny Colgan’s newest novel. After Mirren Sutherland found a priceless antique book in her great aunt’s attic, her career as an antiquarian book hunter began. So when she’s hired by Jamie McKinnon—a laird with a crumbling castle—she has an inkling she’ll find a book rare enough to save their estate. As she bumps into rival book hunter Theo, a race to uncover secrets, and the treasure, begins.
What readers are saying: “The Secret Christmas Library is a cozy, bookish holiday tale set in the snowy Scottish Highlands. It’s a perfect escape for readers who love mysteries wrapped in warmth, romance and a touch of magic.”
‘The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah’ by Jean Meltzer
Filled with humor, heart and second chances, Jean Meltzer’s new book delivers a feel-good ride! Evelyn Schwartz has her Hanukkah planned: She’s producing the live-action televised musical of A Christmas Carol. She’s not concerned with any family plans or holiday to-do lists this year, since she’s busy working long hours at her dream job. That is, until an accident on set brings her face-to-face with the new studio doctor—her ex-husband David Adler. A fun, joyful story!
What readers are saying: “This book was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it was kind of silly and at the same time dealt with very serious topics. Somehow, Jean Meltzer makes this all work flawlessly. I think this one’s my favorite book from her to date.”
‘Yours For The Season’ by Uzma Jalaluddin
A festive and funny holiday ride—with a foreword by The Office’s Mindy Kaling—begins in Yours For The Season by Uzma Jalaluddin. Sameera Malik and Tom Cooke first meet at a party, but neither is looking for a relationship. Sameera is too busy at her law firm, and Tom’s trying to turn his success as a social media chef into a real career. But then a rumor that they’re dating goes viral. Will a ‘fauxmance’ benefit them both?
What readers are saying: “This story was a cross between a Hallmark holiday movie and The Proposal. I loved the characters and the writing plus the integration of different winter holidays. It was a good story to kick start the winter holiday season.”
‘Merry Murder Season’ by Lynn Cahoon
New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon is beloved for her fun cozy mysteries—and her latest novel packs an adventurous holiday twist! Jill’s shop, Coffee, Books & More, is co-sponsoring a charity dart tournament with Chip’s Bar to collect gifts this Christmas. But when the bar owner is found dead the next morning, Jill and her detective hubby, Greg, must follow the clues and crack the case—fast!
What readers are saying: “By the end of the book, it is almost Christmas with cookie baking, shopping and festive music. I always enjoy my time in South Cove! This is an enjoyable cozy mystery and I am glad there are more books!”
‘The Christmas Ring’ by Karen Kingsbury
Award-winning author Karen Kingsbury is known as the “Queen of Christian Fiction” and her new book is a hopeful, heartwarming tale. Military widow Vanessa Mayfield meets handsome antique dealer Ben Miller while searching for an heirloom ring. As they work together, their bond deepens. But when Ben uncovers the ring’s secrets, he wonders if they can move on despite the pain of the past.
What readers are saying: “A beautiful story with twists and turns, family drama, the potential of being reunited with the ring, heartfelt tenderness and starting over. It delivers on the magic of Christmas and the season for miracles.”
‘Snow Kissed’ by RaeAnne Thayne
‘Tis the season for second chances and new romances in RaeAnne Thayne’s newest novel. Single mom Holly Goodwin Moore has always loved Christmas—until now. She has to face her ex’s family at a wedding while her daughter, Lydia, can’t wait to be a flower girl. Ryan Caldwell is in Shelter Springs to help with his niece, but when he meets Holly, she asks him to pose as her fake date and holiday hijinks ensue!
What readers are saying: “With all the Christmas cheer and snow falling, this story whisked me away. The characters found their way so easily into my heart and this book left me smiling and so happy. If you adore Hallmark Christmas stories, definitely put this one on your TBR list.”
‘My Favorite Holidate’ by Lauren Blakely
Few writers strike the sweet and spicy balance like New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely—and her new novel adds a festive spin! Fable’s goal this Christmas is simple: recruit a fake boyfriend to make her ex jealous. But when her boss, Wilder Blaine, steps up to the plate, she’s shocked. Turns out, the single dad also needs a date to a Christmas wedding. Will their mutually beneficial deal lead to chaos—or love?
What readers are saying: “This was giving me all the Hallmark vibes, but with spice! Some of the tropes explored in this book: forced proximity, a Christmas romance, a competition, a single Dad, and a boss and employee romance! This also comes with banter between the two main characters and a dual point of view!”
‘Christmas on Fifth Avenue’ by Julie Caplin
A swoon-worthy romance, dreamy snowy settings, a lovable cast of characters…Julie Caplin’s Christmas on Fifth Avenue has it all. UK-based journalist Evie Green has always dreamed of spending Christmas in New York. But she never thought a viral video and a PR campaign would be her ticket. Noah Sanderson is a disgraced soccer star trying to stay under the radar. As the pair continues crossing paths, sparks fly. Perfect for fans of the movie Serendipity!
What readers are saying: “If you love cozy holiday romance with a side of NYC magic, Christmas on Fifth Avenue by Julie Caplin is your perfect winter escape. It’s a Hallmark-level, heartwarming holiday romance that will leave you with all the cozy feels.”
‘A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart’ by Morgan Lockhart
If you prefer your holiday stories with a magical twist, Morgan Lockhart’s A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart offers an enchanting adventure! Rowan Midwinter is a witch who swore off magic years ago. But when she’s summoned home after a long absence, she obliges. Soon, a megacorporation threatens to buy out the town’s beloved winter festival. To help, Rowan teams up with Gavin McCreery—only to realize she can’t outrun her past any longer.
What readers are saying: “A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart isn’t just a book—it’s a cozy Hallmark holiday movie that got tired of clichés and decided to show up with sharper characters, terrific writing and genuine heart. This isn’t one holiday or one narrow perspective. Lockhart weaves in different traditions and relationships, creating a world that feels larger, warmer and more welcoming without ever slipping into a lecture. It’s life—messy, joyful, diverse and beautifully celebrated.”
‘The Holiday Hookup List’ by Alexis Daria
Romantic tension and unexpected emotional depth meld in Alexis Daria’s new novella. After learning that her fiancé cheated on her, newly single Valencia isn’t exactly feeling the holiday spirit. When her best friend invites her to a holiday party, she’s eager for the distraction, so she attends. But Valencia doesn’t expect to run into her high school enemy, Gideon. A festive story about love, healing and second chances.
What readers are saying: “This is a wonderful holiday story that will leave you smiling, blushing and full of festive vibes! I also highly recommend checking out the author’s other Christmas novella, Only Santas in the Building. I also really enjoyed the audiobook—the voices of both narrators fit the story so well!”
3 nonfiction holiday must-reads!
‘The Christmas Companion’ by Skye McAlpine
Acclaimed food writer and Sunday Times columnist Skye McAlpine is ringing in the Yuletide season with a new cookbook. In The Christmas Companion, McAlpine serves up dozens of delicious recipes like Sticky Marzipan Breakfast Buns, The Best Roasted Potatoes, Holiday Mood Eggnog and more—plus, easy menu ideas, tablescape tips and chic craft how-tos. Whether it’s a gift to a loved one or yourself, this book delivers a beautiful, helpful holiday hand.
What readers are saying: “Skye McAlpine is an inventive cook who also wants to spend time with her guests. She makes beautiful and delicious things that don’t keep you in the kitchen (or racing around to specialty shops) all weekend. I have all of her cookbooks and they’re among my most frequently consulted. I’ve already marked many things to make this Christmas.”
‘Christmas Jars Cookbook’ by Jason and Kodi Wright
After Jason F. Wright wrote the uplifting novel Christmas Jars in 2005, it became a movie and a cherished holiday tradition for millions. The concept: collect spare change throughout the year in a jar to anonymously give to those in need during the holidays! Now, Jason and his wife Kodi’s new book, Christmas Jars Cookbook, celebrates the joy of giving through homemade treats. Full of recipes like Rudolph’s Maple Carrot Cupcakes and Christmas Movie Caramel Corn, real-life stories and craft ideas, this book is a reminder that the sweetest gifts come from the heart!
What readers are saying: “As a fan of the original Christmas Jars book, I’ve been excited about this book for a while now and it’s definitely met my expectations! The stories included are uplifting, the interior design and photography are gorgeous and all the recipes look scrumptious: I’m super excited to give the rest a try, especially with the Christmas season just around the corner, and buy a copy for my Christmas-loving friends.”
‘The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook’ by Becky Libourel Diamond
This season, step back into an opulent bygone era with The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook, penned by food and recipe writer and librarian Becky Libourel Diamond.This gorgeous cookbook sparks nostalgia and holiday cheer while providing fascinating historical facts and holiday lore from 1868 to 1900—America’s Golden Era. With dozens of easy recipes for sweet treats like Holiday Tea Cakes, Victorian Pudding and more, this tome is chock-full of deliciously classic confections!
What readers are saying: “This entertaining and informative cookbook presents historical recipes for Victorian-era Christmas cookies and confections, adapting them for modern kitchens. The book includes historical context and Christmas lore to make the traditional recipes more meaningful.”
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