10 New Year’s Eve Books to Bring in a Happy New Year
These ten New Year’s Eve books are uplifting, fun, and sure to ring in some joy with the new year. We were so excited to do this post because we wanted to think about a fresh start.
We do not have any resolutions here but, it feels good to start the new year in a positive way. Every one of these books made us smile and we hope they do the same for you.
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**Updated 10/31/2022**
Books Set on New Year’s Eve
The Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
Amor Towles can do no wrong! I loved this story set in 1938 that follows a year in working girl Katey Kontent’s life in NYC. Starting and ending on NYE, we get to see the many twists and turns of Katey’s life that year.
Romances, career changes, and discovered secrets pepper the year of entering womanhood for Miss Kontent. Towles’s writing was captivating as always. His characters were expertly crafted and I felt an emotional connection to each of them.
This one will have to go on our list of the best books about NYE and the fact that it is a book set in New York is a bonus!
Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore
I absolutely loved this story about Oona who at the stroke of midnight on her 19th birthday, finds herself in her 51-year-old body. She is greeted by a stranger who is waiting for her in her home and tells her that every year, at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve (her birthday), she will jump to another point in her life- she will live her life out of order.
This is an emotional, well written story that will not only keep you quickly turning pages but make you think about the small things in life that we take for granted. There is a reason this book was a GMA book club pick.
If you love celebrity book club picks, we have complete list of the GMA book clubs picks ranked.
This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens
This romance is perfect for a list of New Year’s Eve books because it’s about two people born on New Year’s Eve minutes apart. Quinn was given a cash prize for being born first, and that is where his luck started. Minnie Cooper’s bad luck also started the same day.
Thirty years later they meet and become friends at, you guessed it, NYE party. Their friendship becomes something more in a natural and cute way. This is the perfect book to bring in the New Year.
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney
This book could be an amazing movie. It is not the type of book that you “can’t put down” because it takes place in New Year’s Eve 1984 with flash backs to the past. But, it is an incredibly interesting and very well written book.
Lillian Boxfish takes the reader with her through a look at New York city through the ages. I really enjoyed this book.
Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
I remember reading this book shortly before it was turned into the hit movie starring Colin Firth and Renee Zellweger. This modern retelling of Emma is told in diary form over the course of one year.
Hysterical and silly, Bridget’s antics are quite something. Mark and Daniel are deliciously brought to life via Bridget’s inner monologue. If you love the movie, try the book.
A Castle in the Clouds by Kerstin Geir
This cute story takes place at a dated luxury hotel where they hold a New Year’s Eve Ball every year.
There is an abundance of antics afoot. Jewel thieves, ghosts, kid-nappers, back-door dealings, and teenage drama fill this tome. This is one of the YA choices on our list of New Year’s Eve books. It is a charming and quick read that is a perfect book to celebrate the new year.
New Year’s Eve Books: Romances
The Rewind by Allison Winn Scotch
Frankie and Ezra were inseparable during college and it all ended in an epic breakup a decade ago. Now, they are seeing each other for the first time since at their friends’ New Year’s Eve of Y2K wedding.
When they wake up in bed together with wedding rings on their fingers and NO memory of what happened, they find themselves in search of answers. And all this has to happen before Ezra’s girlfriend shows up at the wedding because Ezra is planning on proposing.
This romance is a hilarious glimpse into the past and an adorable romance on this list of New Year’s Eve books as well.
Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
Looking for a last-minute holiday read or the perfect read for New Year’s Eve? Royal Holiday was the perfect first read for winter break. When Maddie gets Kirsten’s dream gig (styling a Royal or let’s face it, hanging out with a Royal), she brings her mom, Vivian, with her to England.
Vivian meets a very handsome gentleman who happens to be the Queen’s private secretary. Sparks fly but will this be more than just a holiday romance? Will their love affair end on New Year’s Day? This adorable read is a perfect holiday/vacation read especially for those who love anything Royal.
One Day in December by Josie Silver
Another book I absolutely adored. This second chance love story takes place over 10 years and you’ll be rooting for this couple the entire time.
The perfect winter romance – this one is a bit steamy – that will have you smiling from ear to ear. I listened to this one from my local library, but it would be just as good in print. This is one of the New Year’s Eve books that are perfect to ring in the new year.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
We don’t think about royals and the LGBTQ community because we don’t usually see openly gay royals, which is so sad in today’s society.
This charming romance was absolutely adorable. I crushed hard for their romance and found myself smiling the entire time. (Also love the nod to a female president…where do I sign up for one of those?). With a New Year’s Eve party thrown into the mix, we had to include this book as one of our favorite New Year’s Eve books.
