For those of us who enjoy a warm and seasonal read, I’ve got a list of potential winter novels to consider as TBR additions as we race towards the most wonderful time of year otherwise known as Christmas.
How I Decorate: A Simple and Sparkling Décor Guide
Each year, I make it a point to create time to enjoy some of these. At least, this is a Christmas-y tradition I’ve employed in the last few years. In that time, I’ve amassed a small, but happy personal collection, which is why most of these books are on this list. It’s that or simple because I’ve read them. That said, you will see a few I haven’t read, but they sound too cute not to include. Of course, this means this list is far from inclusive, but maybe you’ll find one or two novels to enjoy!
*I also, quite randomly, and maybe foolishly (because I have enough busyness in my life right now) joined this week’s Tis-the-Season-a-Thon (December 2 – 8). Hoping it’s fun, and if you’re curious, I posted the TBR on Youtube. Currently, my first read is Carols and Chaos, which I’m making for the “book title related to music.”
Without further ado, let’s have a look at what seasonal, festive romance reads occupy my shelf.
Warm and Wonderful Winter Novels to Enjoy!
1: My True Love Gave to Me (12 Novella Collection)
There are definitely some misses in this collection, but overall, it’s got a few fun stories. Pretty sure favorites of mine were by Jenny Han (obviously) and Stephanie Perkins, too. Goodreads
2: Carols and Chaos by Cindy Antsey
This is one that’s been gathering dust on my shelf. I feel bad about this because it sounds so fun, plus I like that it’s different than most of my season reads (meaning, it’s a historical). I’ve just started it, and so far, it is cute. Goodreads
3: What Light by Jay Asher
Don’t remember much about this one, but I do remember thinking it quite fun. Goodreads
4: Christmas at Whitefriars by Elizabeth Camden
Haven’t read this one yet, but as it’s a novella by Elizabeth Camden, I’ve little doubt it’ll be well presented with a swoony hero, too! Goodreads
5: We Met in December by Rosie Curtis
I’m SO hopeful this one will be what I so desperately wanted a certain novel with December in its title to be. (We shall leave it unnamed.) Goodeads
6: 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston
One of the sweet secular YA works of seasonal fiction I’ve read. Goodreads
7: Miss Christmas by Gigi Garrett
A cute novella about a woman in charge of the décor and tree for Rockefeller center! It’s a quick, cute read; and if you recognize it, but didn’t know it as a book, it may be because it was adapted as a Hallmark romance. Goodreads
8: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
This one isn’t “Christmas” per se, but it does end (right?) at Christmastime, and the movie has a few winter-y scenes, too, so we’re going with it; plus what book is better defied as a “warm” read than this? Goodreads
9: Like a Winter Snow by Lindsay Harrel
Another new novella hot of the press. Haven’t read this one, but I’ve zero doubt it’s as cute as the book cover suggests. Goodreads
10: Christmas at the Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson
Read this one last year, and can only remember one thing: it’s charming! Goodreads
11: His Mistletoe Miracle by Jenny B. Jones
Despite loving Jenny B. Jones novels, I haven’t yet read her seasonal romantic-comedy. If you have, let me know all the thoughts on this one! Goodreads
12: It Happened One Christmas by Christen Krumm
Cannot wait to read this one. It’s on my must-read-in-2019 list, so we’ll see if I accomplish this. *fingers crossed* Goodreads
13: My New Crush Gave to Me by Shani Petroff
Another one I’ve read that’s also super cute! Goodreads
14: Kiss Miss in New York by Catherine Rider
This one is so darling! It’s a “one night” together kind of trope that I actually quite like. Goodreads
15: Deck the Shelves by Toni Shiloh
This is one I talk about in the upcoming booktube video; not a personal favorite, but if you want something quick, cute and clean, this might be your cup of tea. Goodreads
16: Almost Christmas by Brooke St. James
This one has been on my bookshelf for far too long. It sounds fun, but alas, I just haven’t made it a point to pick it up. Must remedy this (just maybe not until Christmas of 2020!). Goodreads
17: Royally Yours by Melissa Tagg (Ashley Clark, Liz Johnon, Betsey St. Amant)
Currently reading this collection; it’s sweet (I’ve read two of the four novellas) just as we might expect it to be. The stories don’t connect, but the common thread is the small Vermont town they all take place in, and the theme of a character who happens to have a title that comes with a crown! Goodreads
18: Snowflake Sweethearts by Carrie Turansky
I don’t know if I’ve read a novel by this author or not (I think so…), but I know readers who really enjoy her books, and this one does look cute. Goodreads
19: Snow in Love by Kasie West
Who doesn’t enjoy a cute seasonal novella collection? I know I do, though to be honest, I cannot remember if I’ve read any of the four novellas in this book with exception to Kasie West’s (the author I bought this for). Goodreads
MORE WARM AND WONDERFUL WINTER READS
25 Days ‘Til Christmas by Poppy Alexander | Christmas at Carnton by Tamara Alexander | Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe* by Melissa de la Cruz | Snowy Nights at the Lonely Hearts Hotel by Karen King | Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella | Homecoming for Christmas by Ciara Knight | Christmas at Gate 25* by Amy Matayo | A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews | The Mistletoe Matchmaker by Felicity Hayes McCoy | One Christmas in Winter*** and The Perfect Christmas*** by Bell Renshaw | Ordinary Snowflakes by Jennifer Rodewald | A Royal Christmas Wish by Lizzie Shane | One Enchanted Christmas*** Collection by Melissa Tagg | Because of You** by Becky Wade | Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Susan May Warren | Keep Me at Christmas* by Lucinda Whitney
*These are the books in this section I’ve read; they aren’t a personal favorites.
**Originally part of the Christmas Heirloom novella collection, you can now read this sweet contemporary without owning the entire collection!
***Super cute and fun; perfect for Hallmark movie fans!
Please note, I haven’t read these so I don’t know what they’re all about or the content.
I also have a new booktube video coming in which I talk about a few of these reads while decking out my bookshelves!
Tell me, which of these do you like most!? Have you read any of them? Do you want to? Do you have a list of seasonal reads; I’d love to come by and chat with you if you do, so let me know where I can find it. Comment all of your thoughts down below.
20+ Warm and Wonderful Winter Novels to Enjoy! What #ChristmasBooks do you enjoy this time of you? Come by and tell me ALL about YOUR favorites. #CleanRomance #AmReading #Romance Share on X
I like a good holiday- themed read, and I really wish we’d get more anthologies like My True Love Gave To Me. That and the summer- themed one were fun even though the stories were not all great. There’s something about a short story collection. :)
SAME! I’m all about a fun seasonal read. They’re always entertaining, and I’m always trying to squeeze in as many as possible this time of year. :) (Apologies for the reply delay, Greg.)
Adding Carols and Chaos to my list. I always mean to read Holiday books during the holidays and then don’t do it. This year will be different. My Holiday book list
It’s quite cute so far, Anne. Hope you enjoy it if you read it – and let me know what you think if you do. Thanks for the visit. :)
Thank you so much for the holiday themed recommendations. I’ve pretty much only read books set in winter, or snow, and not during a true holiday (except How The Grinch Stole Christmas but he doesn’t count).
Thank you for the visit, Leah. Hope you find some here to enjoy!! Let me know if you do. :)
Several of these made my list as well, and several are new to me, so I’ll be looking them up! ;)
Great post! My TTT
Fun! Hope you found some good ones to maybe read. :) Appreciate your visit, Dedra.
So many great recommendations here! The only one I’ve read was My True Love Gave to Me. I’ll have to try some more of these!
Hope you find some good ones, Brooke. Let me know what you think if you do read any of these. :) Appreciate your visit, as always.
Great list! I really like the sound of Carols and Chaos. Here is our Top Ten Tuesday.
‘Carols and Chaos’ is SO MUCH FUN! Hope if you have a chance to read it, you enjoy. :) Thanks as always, for the visit, and my apologies for the reply delay.
I love the cover for Miss Christmas!
My TTT.
Isn’t it cute!? Gotta’ love a festive little cover. Thanks for the visit, Lydia, and my apologies for the reply delay.
I didn’t realize Kasie West had a holiday novella! I need to check that out. I love her writing.
Here are some holiday reads I would like to read: My Top Ten Tuesday.
I do too, Deanna. Her books are always like a ray of sunshine!! Cannot wait to see your list; my apologies for the delay in replying to your comment. As always, I appreciate you stopping by.
I enjoy holiday movies during this season and really need to think about incorporating some holiday reads. Lovely list!
I’m all about some fun Christmas movies this time of year, Alicia. Let me know if you find any good holiday reads; I’m eager to discover more…! :) Thanks, as always, for the visit, and my apologies for the reply delay.
Miss Christmas is one of my favorite Hallmark holiday movies, but I didn’t know it was adapted from a book! Must. Read. Now.
Isn’t that fun!? The book is quite different, but I like both. :) Thanks, as always, for the visit, Brittaney; my apologies for the delay in replying to your comment. (Let me know what you think of the movie vs. book if you read Miss Christmas.)
Wow! The definitive list today!
It was SO much fun to put together. :) Appreciate your comment, Lisa, and my apologies for the reply delay.
I think the only book I’ve read is My True Love Gave To Me, and I did enjoy those short stories. I like holiday themed reads though – I tend to read a lot of those with cozy mysteries.
-Lauren
Fun! I’m all about some fun cozy mystery reads. :)
I don’t read a ton of holiday books, but I did really like My True Love Gave To Me.
I remember finding many of the stories in this collection darling.:)
It Happened at Christmas looks so good! Thanks bringing it to my attention.
It Happened at Christmas is SO MUCH FUN, Whitney. Hope if you read it, you enjoy. I’m all about finding some great new reads. :) Appreciate your visit; my apologies for the reply delay.
So many great picks, as per usual! I loved 10 Blind Dates and I am so glad to see it getting more attention and being featured on so many lists this week. It is definitely perfect for this time of the year for obvious reasons–plus it’s just plain cute! Also, agreed about My True Love Gave to Me–it had some misses but it’s definitely a warm and fuzzy read for winter.
SAME! 10 Blind Dates is all kinds of fun, and I love that it’s an easy read, too. Well said; not just the perfect pick, but also “plain cute.” Those are my favorite! :) I liked the ‘True Love’ collection in places, but some were just a little too bizarre or out of my comfort zone. Appreciate your visit, Jessica; my apologies it took this long to reply.