From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:
Today is the official start of the Christmas Season. While we have been seeing retailers advertising seasonal gifts and decorations since July, I am a traditionalist. When I was a child growing up in the US, the season did not start until the day after Thanksgiving. I am sticking with it.
In celebration of the season, I am happy to share a curated list of the best new Christmas novels of 2024. I have seen an explosion in this sub-genre in the past few years—fueled by the incredible popularity of Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel, Netflix, and many other TV networks and streaming services. Many were adapted from published novels. Kuddos to the writers! The dog is now chasing its tail, and we are the happy recipients of this symbiotic relationship.
You will find a wide variety of Christmas themed novels on this list that I hope will appeal to many readers that want to escape into the spirit of the season. The books were chosen from advance reviews by many of the top historical and contemporary fiction Bookstagramers that I work with or follow closely for my book marketing business. I trust their opinions implicitly and would read all the books that they recommend if I had the time.
Many thanks to each of the influencers who helped make this list possible and the authors whose creativity and craft are just dazzling.
♥ Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season.
Best, Laurel Ann
CONTEMPORARY ROM-COM
ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY, by Susan Mallery
Canary Street Press (October 1, 2024)
Goodreads rating (4.01)
“This book is such a treat!! Gift wrapped with loads of comedy and a little dysfunction too, in the end this story is all heart!”— Eden of @edensbookden
QUICK SYNPOSIS
Susan Mallery, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Boardwalk Bookshop, returns with the joyful and utterly irresistible story of a mother who couldn’t love her kids more but hopes that, just this once, they please don’t come home for Christmas. Perfect for fans of Mary Kay Andrews and Julie Murphy!
AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS
12 DAYS OF MISTLETOE: A SWEET CHRISTMAS ROMANTIC COMEDY, by Jen Atkinson
Independently Published (November 14, 2024)
Goodreads rating (4.54)
“This book made me smile so big as I was reading it! I loved everything about it.”— Cathy Jeppsen, @mybookaday
QUICK SYNPOPSIS
How to end up in Christmas kissing lessons with your downstairs enemy. An enemies to lovers, fake dating, closed door, laugh out loud, warm your wintery heart holiday romcom.
AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS
CHRISTMAS WITH A CRANK, by Courtney Walsh
Sweethaven Press (November 3, 2024)
Goodreads rating (4.21)
“I loved this romcom, and there was something about the Christmas tree farm setting that made this sweet romance feel like a wonderful Hallmark movie! We all know how addictive those are!…It was perfection!”— Cindy Ward, @lovemybooks2020
QUICK SYNOPSIS
Twenty years after their goodbye first kiss, Olive and Liam are reunited when they return to their childhood hometown. Liam is reluctantly inheriting the family Christmas tree farm, and Olive is retrenching after a failed business and romance. Can she convince cranky Liam to love Christmas and the tree farm again, and not fall head over heels in love with him in the process?
AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
EVERGREEN CHRISTMAS: FROSTED FIRS RANCH (Book 1), by Janet Dailey
Kensington Books (September 24, 2024)
Goodreads rating (4.0)
“I loved the Competitions of Christmas, the sense of community, the tension that arose when Jordyn met Nate Reed (the winner of the past 9 years) and appreciated a unique holiday-themed read.”— @theliterateleprechaun
QUICK SYNOPSIS
The first in a new cozy Christmas series where the 12 annual Competitions of Christmas in the close-knit town of Noel, North Carolina are underway! This year horse breeder, and newcomer, Jordyn Banks decides to take on the resident Christmas tree decorating champion, who happens to be her handsome next door neighbor.
AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS
THE NOEL BRIDGE: A NOVEL, by Jenny Hale
Harpeth Road Press (October 15, 2024)
Goodreads rating (4.51)
“I loved the heartfelt messages throughout the story and found the characters to be able to carry this message without a miss in their step. A lovely read this holiday season!”— Ashley Blank, @adventurenlit
QUICK SYNOPSIS
A heartwarming holiday getaway that will have you believing in the power of love. Fans of the USA Today bestselling author of Jenny’s the book-to-TV stories Coming Home for Christmas and Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses, and are searching for more feel-good, small-town romance, look no further!
AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS
THE DECEMBER MARKET, by RaeAnne Thayne
Canary Street Press (October 8, 2024)
Goodreads rating (4.02)
“While this is an incredibly sweet romance about two hurting people opening their hearts to love, it’s also a heartwarming story of family and the magic of the season.”— Susan Ballard, @subakka.bookstuff
QUICK SYNOPSIS
The magic of Christmas—and a second shot at romance—is in the air in Shelter Springs this festive season when two wounded souls keep crossing paths at the holiday market. It’s starting to feel like fate is prompting them both to wonder if taking a chance on love might gift them everything they’ve been wishing for.
AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS
HISTORICAL
CHRISTMAS WITH THE QUEEN, by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb
William Morrow Paperbacks (November 19, 2024)
Goodreads rating 4.26
“I was enthralled by the vivid scenes that make you feel you are with the young Queen as she celebrates the holiday and makes her first Christmas address…Highly recommended for fans of Queen Elizabeth, The Crown, historical fiction, and the talented authors. And a perfect holiday gift!”— Char Jones, @literaryredhead
QUICK SYNOPSIS
’Tis the season! The Crown meets When Harry Met Sally in the latest heartwarming historical novel from Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb, bestselling authors of Last Christmas in Paris, Meet Me in Monaco, and Three Words for Goodbye.
AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS
WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS, by Lynn Austin
Tyndale Fiction (September 3, 2024)
Goodreads rating (4.40)
“This novella was such a heartwarming and sweet read…It was a wonderfully uplifting story and perfect to set the mood for this time of year.”— Mandy Biesinger, @probablybookinit
QUICK SYNOPSIS
In this hope-filled Gilded Age Christmas novella from bestselling author Lynn Austin, the year is 1901 and the hustle and bustle of the holidays is descending on New York’s Fifth Avenue.
AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS
O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, by Elizabeth Boyle
Independently Published (October 1, 2024)
Goodreads rating (4.51)
“This book is about finding yourself, about opening up and finding new friends, love and so much more!! Loved the magical aspect of the book!!”— Annissa Armstrong, @annissabookishjoy
QUICK SYSNOPSIS
With her beloved charm and wit, New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle brings to life a heartwarming story of empowerment, redemption, and the joy of finding friendship. Even during the holidays.
AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS
CHRISTMAS AT SUGAR PLUM MANOR, by Roseanna M. White
Bethany House Publishers (September 3, 2024)
Goodreads rating (4.32)
“The perfect novella to enjoy some sweet romance, celebrate the Christmas season, or get lost in a wonderful story! I highly recommend this delightful story!”— Becky Boener, @beckys_bookshelves.
QUICK SYNOPOSIS
Inspired by The Nutcracker, this Edwardian-era historical romance is a tale of holiday spirit, love, and the power of family and friendship from bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White.
AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS
MYSTERY
THE MISTELTOE MYSTERY, by Nita Prose
Ballantine Books (October 1, 2024)
Goodreads rating (3.53)
“I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the Molly, the maid books in the series and this novella was no exception. While it is short, it is mighty and it made me smile…Great read and I look forward to the next book in the series.”— Helen Udachin – @nolareads504
QUICK SYNOPSIS
National bestseller • Molly the Maid has a whole new mystery to solve in this heartwarming, magical story about the true spirit of the season. The Mistletoe Mystery reminds us that love is the greatest mystery of all.
AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS
AUSTENESQUE
THE MERRY MATCHMAKER, by Shelia Roberts
MIRA (October 1, 2024)
Goodreads rating (3.69)
“This book was such a delight! I enjoyed this immensely! The Emma retelling is so well done with a unique twist which I thought was clever and sweet.”— Iresha Jayasinghe, @resh_bookstagram
QUICK SYNOPSIS
Inspired by Jane Austen’s Emma, this joyful Christmas romp tells the story of a woman who can’t stop trying to help everyone around her find their happily-ever-after—even when her help leads to disaster.
AMAZON | PUBLISHER | ADD TO GOODREADS
Editor’s Note: The Goodreads ratings were taken on November 27, 2024
Each of the ARCs (advance readers copies) was gifted to the influencer from the publisher. Cover images and book synopsis courtesy of the respective publishers © 2024; text by Laurel Ann Nattress, quotes by the respective influencers © 2024, austenprose.com, an Amazon affiliate. No AI: material on Austenprose.com may not be used in datasets for, in the development of, or as inputs to generative AI programs.
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Yes, lovely list! I’ve read a few and liked them.
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Can you recommend any that you have read and enjoyed, Sophia?
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