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Thanksgiving is over, and it’s officially time to pull out the holiday books (I dug mine out last weekend)!
A few years ago, I made an effort to be intentional about what types of books I read during specific times of the year. I realized that I’d be missing out on holiday books unless I did that!
Then, the Holiday Reading Guide was born. There are only so many days in the holiday season, so planning ahead is vital here.
I’ve got six new picks this year, but have 40+ picks from years prior listed below. Happy holiday reading!
‘The Christmas Countdown’ by Holly Cassidy
Callie has sworn off Christmas and love after a devastating breakup, but her meddling sister has other ideas. Armed with an Advent calendar full of festive challenges, Callie is pushed out of her comfort zone—straight into the life of a charming baker. As they tackle the activities together, will this unexpected partnership open their hearts in time for Christmas? – The Christmas Countdown



‘A Home for the Holidays’ by Taylor Hahn
Wedding singer Mel Hart’s Christmas takes an unexpected turn when her estranged mother passes away, leaving behind a legacy full of secrets. Invited to spend the holidays with her mother’s former best friend, Mel navigates grief, family drama, and an undeniable attraction to a man in the midst of a messy divorce. This heartfelt story explores love, loss, and the surprising magic of second chances. – A Home for the Holidays
‘Christmas in Aspen’ by Anita Hughes
Burnt out and grieving, editor Caroline Holt stumbles upon a mysterious love letter to her late mother, leading her to Aspen for answers. Amid the town’s snowy charm, Caroline meets someone who challenges her guarded heart while uncovering her mother’s secrets. By New Year’s Eve, Caroline faces a life-changing decision about love and her future. – Christmas in Aspen



‘Christmas at Spruce Hill Farm’ by Kathryn Springer
Lucy Gable is trying to keep her boss’s holiday book tour on track while hiding a big secret: she ghostwrote her latest novel. At a picturesque Christmas tree farm, Lucy faces unexpected complications, including a handsome distraction, a looming winter storm, and a little holiday magic. With courage and love, Lucy and her boss might just find new beginnings. – Christmas at Spruce Hill Farm
‘Kiss Me at Christmas’ by Jenny Bayliss
After a rocky year, Harriet Smith has written off Christmas entirely—until a wine-fueled one-night stand turns into a surprising reunion. To help some local kids, she agrees to direct a holiday play at the town’s Winter Theater, working alongside her unexpected fling. Between rehearsals, Harriet finds her holiday spirit and maybe a reason to believe in love again. – Kiss Me at Christmas
‘Christmas Crimes at the Mysterious Bookstore’ edited by otto penzler
This collection of thirteen holiday-themed mystery stories from renowned authors like Laura Lippman and Jeffery Deaver is set in the iconic Mysterious Bookshop. With crimes ranging from brainteasers to suspenseful capers, these tales blend festive cheer with intriguing twists, making it the perfect holiday gift for mystery fans. – Christmas Crimes at the Mysterious Bookstore
HOLIDAY PICKS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS
- “The Holiday Swap” by Maggie Knox
- “Wreck the Halls” by Tessa Bailey
- “The Jolliest Bunch” by Danny Pellegrino
- “A Winter in New York” by Josie Silver
- “Calm Christmas” by Beth Kempton
- “A December to Remember” by Jenny Bayliss
- “Wintering” by Katherine May
- “Tis the Season for Revenge” by Morgan Elizabeth
- “So This is Christmas” by Tracy Andreen
- “All I Want for Christmas” by Maggie Knox
- “All is Bright” by RaeAnne Thayne
- “A Merry Little Meet Cute” by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
- “Kiss Her Once for Me” by Alison Cochrun
- “Meet Me in London” by Georgia Toffolo
- “The Holiday Switch” by Tif Marcelo
- “The Christmas Bookshop” by Jenny Colgan
- “A Season for Second Chances” by Jenny Bayliss
- “The Christmas Project” by Maxine Morrey
- “Five Total Strangers” by Natalie D. Richards
- “One Day in December” by Josie Silver
- “The Twelve Dates of Christmas” by Jenny Bayliss
- “Royal Holiday” BY Jasmine Guillory
- “We Met in December” by Rosie Curtis
- “In A Holidaze” by Christina Lauren
- “Mistletoe & Mr. Right” by Sarah Morgenthaler
- “Christmas Shopaholic” by Sophie Kinsella | Festive, whimsical
- “The Perfect Christmas” by Debbie Macomber | Holiday romance
- “Christmas Camp” by Karen Schaler | Holiday romance
- “Snowed In” by Rachel Hawthorne | Young Adult
- “The Holiday Swap” by Zara Stoneley | Holiday getaway
- “Winter Street” Series by Elin Hilderbrand | Family dysfunction
- “Christmas Letters” by Debbie Macomber | Holiday romance
- “Let it Snow” by John Green, Lauren Myracle, & Maureen Johnson | Young Adult
- “Christmas Jars” by Jason F. Wright | Holiday inspiration
- “The Christmas Train” by David Baldacci | Holiday inspiration
- “Dashing Through the Snow” by Mary & Carol Higgins Clark | Holiday mystery
- “The Christmas Town” by Donna VanLiere | Holiday inspiration
- “The Mistletoe Inn” by Richard Paul Evans | Holiday romance
- “The 13th Gift” by Joanne Hulst Smith | Holiday inspiration
- “Christmas at Little Beach Bakery Street” by Jenny Colgen | Festive, whimsical
- “Mr. Dickens and His Carol” by Samantha Silva | Holiday classic with a twist
…And there’s my forever-long list of holiday titles! Before I let you go, I have to share a related item I created for my Etsy shop: A Holiday Reading Scavenger Hunt. It’s full of holiday tropes and things to find while you do your seasonal reading.
It’s an instant download (every item in my shop is), so there are no shipping costs or wait times, and you can print it as many times as you want and use it however you wish!
For more book recommendations, be sure to subscribe to the blog (look to the right) and follow me on Goodreads @thebitterlemon – where I share more of my book picks. Also, check out my printable bookmarks and Book Club Journal Pages in my Etsy Shop.

