8 New Christmas Books Goodreads Readers Can’t Wait to Read—from Meghan Quinn to Jenny Bayliss

Halloween isn’t even here yet, but the Christmas books have arrived. Over the past few weeks, bookstores have filled up with holiday reads, from spicy rom-coms like Meghan Quinn’s Christmas Staycation to cozy mysteries and sweet small-town romances, and more are on the way. Here are eight we and other Goodreads readers can’t wait to pick up. 

‘Cozy Little Christmas’ by RaeAnne Thayne

Book four in RaeAnne Thayne’s Shelter Springs series begins after Hannah starts caring for her friend Morgan’s kids, who she thinks deserves the best Christmas ever. Across town, K9 law enforcement officer Wes Kenner returns home and is shocked when he runs into Hannah—his ex. Despite what happened between them, he finds himself drawn to her. As the two spend more and more time together, old feelings emerge.

What Goodreads users are saying: “This was also such a wonderfully sweet romance—the perfect palate cleanser and exactly the kind of feel-good holiday escape I was craving. If you love Hallmark Christmas movies, second chances, first loves, protective heroes, adorable dogs, small towns where everyone shows up for each other and romances with plenty of heart, put this one on your holiday reading list” 

‘The Gift’ by Freida McFadden

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Housemaid comes a Christmas-themed short story that will leave readers guessing. Despite working two jobs, Stella can’t afford the perfect Christmas gift for her husband. Then, one day, a mysterious pawn shop owner offers her a mysterious deal: He will help her get the gift, and in exchange, Stella will do something for him. But when that trade-off turns deadly, Stella begins to question everything. A page-turning tale inspired by The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry. (Out November 3, 2026) 

What early Goodreads users are saying: “If all you want for Christmas is a little suspense, you got it. With homemade cookies in the oven and hot chocolate in your mug, plenty goes on beneath the surface in this twisty, comic, short Christmas mystery novella. If you love cozy holiday dark stories, you can be assured Freida McFadden will make your Christmas entertaining.” 

‘Christmas Staycation’ by Meghan Quinn 

The third book in Meghan Quinn’s Kringletown Christmas series follows Major League Baseball player Nolan and Taran, who used to date his brother. On paper, Nolan and Taran are polar opposites, but when Taran and Nolan’s brother agree to fake an engagement to keep her family’s holiday from imploding, things take a turn for the worse. Now, Taran is struggling to keep up with her fake relationship, and Nolan is struggling to keep his opinion of the situation to himself. What follows is a steamy enemies-to-lovers tale that will have readers giggling and kicking their feet.

What Goodreads users are saying: “It’s been such a long time since I laughed this much while reading a book! If you love funny, crazy, spicy Christmas romances with opposites attract, a small town setting, forced proximity, fake engagement and the ex-boyfriend’s brother trope, add this one to your TBR.” 

‘A Date with Santa’ by Debbie Macomber

From bestselling author Debbie Macomber comes a sweet new Christmas tale. When Sage Madison suddenly finds herself caring for her 5-year-old nephew, Ricky, she decides to give him the best Christmas ever. To do it, she enlists the help of her best friend Erica and her handsome colleague Ethan, who agrees to play Santa—as long as Sage goes on a date with him, causing unexpected sparks to fly.

What Goodreads users are saying: “A Date With Santa wraps your heart in Christmas magic and reminds us that life’s greatest gifts are the moments we share with the people we love. If you’re looking for a heartwarming holiday romance filled with family, love, Christmas magic and a gentle reminder to slow down and cherish what matters most, A Date With Santa must be on your holiday TBR.” 

‘A Killer for Christmas’ by Kim Harrington 

Filled with mystery, romance and danger, this novel by Kim Harrington has it all. Christmasville, Maine, is supposed to be Kelsey Hendricks’s safe space. After all, it was the only place she could get a job after being fired and then dumped by her boyfriend. Now, she’s working as Christmasville’s social media manager and has two men vying for her heart. It seems perfect, right? But when two people turn up dead, Christmasville’s holiday celebrations are put to the test. Can Kelsey catch the killer?

What Goodreads users are saying: “I adored the friendships, the activities, the coziness and the tension, the murders and the romance, it had everything I would possibly need! I don’t want to say too much, as to not spoil something, but if you are anything like me, you have to read this! I love watching Hallmark movies and mysteries and this felt exactly like that plus their signature Christmas movies, the best combination!” 

‘The Little Shop of Merry and Bright’ Jenny Bayliss 

If you love magical realism tales, then don’t miss Jenny Bayliss’s latest novel. Three years ago, Casey turned down her boyfriend’s proposal and went viral on the internet. Now she’s working as a stock replenisher for a family-owned department store and living in peace. But when the Spirit of Christmas Present, Margo, shows up at her door, Casey decides to visit five of her alternate realities, all of which erase the failed proposal video from the internet. But as Casey explores these other realities, she begins to wonder if the life she has is the life she actually wants.

What Goodreads users are saying: “This is an enchanting Christmas read that will have you laughing out loud throughout the book. Margo is lovably eccentric with a larger-than-life personality. You will find yourself rooting for Casey, but may be surprised when you find yourself crossing your fingers for Margo as well. Jenny Bayliss is known for crafting multi-dimensional characters outside of the protagonist and antagonist and this book is no different.” 

‘Murder on 34th Street’ by Mariah Fredericks

Set in 1932 New York City, this novel follows Grace Verlander, the “assistant to the assistant to the someone who’s in charge” at Macy’s, right before the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. Just three days before the big event, Grace receives a letter from Santa Claus, claiming someone sent the jolly old man a death threat, which could ruin the parade’s pristine reputation. Scared, Grace contacts the store’s secret team, who assure her protective measures are in place. But when a body turns up on a parade float days later, Grace decides to catch the killer before they strike again.

What Goodreads users are saying: “With the perfect plot, characters, and execution, this story is a recipe for success going into the holiday season. I don’t know how you can put Christmas and murder in the same story and end up with something so delightful, but that is what this book is. I’ve been recommending it to all of my friends. Make sure you get your hands on a copy.” 

‘25 Dates of Christmas’ by Kathryn Freeman

Advent calendars are a Christmas staple, and here Kathryn Freeman tells a story in the form of one of those beloved calendars. Christmas is right around the corner, but Anna doesn’t feel like celebrating, and hasn’t since her brother Colin died. But when Anna finds out that her brother had one last request for her—teaming up with his best friend Luke—to complete 25 challenges, she agrees. As the adventures take place, Luke and Anna bond in ways they never thought possible. A fun novel that allows readers to read a chapter each day. 

What Goodreads users are saying: “25 Dates of Christmas is a heartwarming book about two people who have lost someone very important to them coming together. This book can be read as an Advent calendar with a chapter a day but I flew through it in less than a day. It was that good.” 

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