22 Most Anticipated New December 2023 Book Releases by Genre

The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale by Virginia Kantra

Genre: Fiction

Plot: A book inspired by The Wizard of Oz in the December 2023 book releases? Yes, please. Dorothy “Dee” Gale is trying to find her place in the world after the death of her mother. She faces love, loss, and change along the way. She will learn about what family means and how to make one of her own.

Meet the Benedettos by Katie Cotugno

Genre: Fiction

Plot: In this blend of The Kardashians and Pride and Prejudice, the Benedetto sisters, former reality tv show stars, navigate life in their fading McMansion. When charismatic movie star Charlie Bingley and his friend Will Darcy move in next door, a romantic comedy unfolds. Eldest sister June captures Charlie’s heart, while the sensible Lilly clashes with Will. This pick from December 2023 book releases is a modern tale of unexpected love, challenging stereotypes, and the captivating allure of Hollywood.

Flores and Miss Paula by Melissa Rivero

Genre: Fiction

Plot: Flores is a thirtysomething-year-old woman who lives with her mother, Paula. They have had a difficult time communicating since the loss of Flores’s father/ Paula’s husband, Martin. Now, when She finds a note written by her mother under her father’s urn, Flores and Paula must choose how their relationship is going to move forward. This pick from December 2023 book releases is a perfect choice for books about motherhood.

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: I’m so excited to read this pick from the December 2023 new releases. This historical mystery is inspired by the diary of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife, who investigated a murder in her small community. When a man found entombed in ice, also happens to be the same man accused of an attack, Martha is sure what happened, and six justice on behalf of those that no one else wants to protect.

The Paris Housekeeper by Renee Ryan

Genre: Historical Fiction

Plot: Camille Lacroix is a chambermaid at the famous hotel Ritz in Paris, and, despite German tanks occupying the city, she cannot leave in order to support her family. Vivian Miller appears to be a Nazi sympathizer, but is in fact, using her connections to obtain travel papers for Jewish refugees. This WWII book looks like a must-read from our list of December 2023 book releases.

Yours for the Taking by Gabrielle Korn

Genre: Sci-fi

Plot: In the year 2050, Ava and her girlfriend face the consequences of climate change in a decaying Brooklyn. Survival depends on acceptance into The Inside Project, a network of safe havens led by billionaire Jacqueline Millender. Shelby becomes Jacqueline’s assistant, while Olympia, a medical student, uncovers unsettling truths about the project. As Ava enters Inside and suspicions arise about Jacqueliine’s system. This pick from December 2023 book releases is a tale of queer love, manipulation, and corporate feminism.

The Curse of Penryth Hall by Jess Armstrong

Genre: Gothic Mystery

Plot: Ruby Vaughn is an American heiress who finds herself entwined in the eerie tale of Penryth Hall. When a box of books leads her back to the Cornish Countryside with a curse-shrouded past, Ruby teams up with Pellar, a curse-breaker and Ruan Kivell to unravel the secrets of the curse and break it before it can claim its next victim. We cannot wait to read this pick from December 2023 book releases.

The Engagement Party by Darby Kane

Genre: Thriller

Plot: This pick from the December 2023 book releases is an isolation thriller set in Maine. Emily Hunt went missing and when her body was found, it was ruled a suicide. Now, 12 years later, college friends are celebrating an engagement on a private island when a dead body is found. Can they find the murderer before they are all prey?

The Vacation by John Marrs

Genre: Thriller

Plot: Eight strangers come to a beach-front hostel in Venice Beach. All are running from something and have secrets they would kill to keep. This pick from December 2023 book releases is perfect for our ultimate list of thrillers.

The Vacation House by Jane Shemlit

Genre: Mystery

Plot: In this pick from December 2023 book releases comes a new mystery. From a luxurious Greek getaway to the high-society splendor of London, a stifled “yummy mummy” and promising therapist cross paths, their fates entwined by a haunting past.

The Weekend Retreat by Tara Laskowski

Genre: Thriller

Plot: The Van Ness siblings are heirs to a copper fortune and are gathering for a birthday celebration. Three couples, three days, one storm and the results are deadly. This looks like an action-packed thriller from our December 2023 book releases.

Better Than Revenge by Elizabeth Adler

Genre: Thriller

Plot: Twin sisters who are grifters have Interpol on their tails. When one sister falls in love with the man who was supposed to be her next mark, she wonders if her sister did it or if it was someone else. This is a perfect book about con artists from our list of December 2023 book releases.

If Looks Could Kill by Jennifer Griffith

Genre: Romance Thriller

Plot: This thriller from December 2023 book releases looks like it will be a page-turner. Molly is broke with no job, no power, and she is about to lose her apartment. When she meets a woman in the grocery store who is her doppelgänger, the woman begs Molly to switch places for a weekend. But will it be?

The Second Chance Year by Melissa Weisner

Genre: NYE Romance

Plot: This pick from December 2023 book releases is perfect for our list of New Year’s Eve Books. After Sadie has lost her job, her payment, and her boyfriend, she jumps at the chance to make a wish with a fortuneteller. She wants to do-over. She wakes up the next morning and the date is January 1st of last year. She has her second chance, but is it everything she thought it would be?

The Gentleman’s Gambit by Evie Dunmore

Genre: Historical Romance

Plot: We love Evie Dunmore and cannot wait for this pick from the December 2023 book releases. Catriona fights for the women’s suffrage movement. She has given up on finding love. Elias has decided winning. Catriona’s fever is the key to taking back his homeland. Soon, these to find that they might have more chemistry than they thought.

Technically Yours by Denise Williams

Genre: Romance

Plot: Eight years ago, Cord Harris fell in love with Pearl. After she broke his heart, he swore off love. Now, Cord is the newest programmer at Pearl’s nonprofit whose reputation is at risk. She cannot have a workplace romance but cannot ignore the chemistry between them. This romance looks like the perfect pick from December 2023 book releases.

Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura

Genre: Romance

Plot: Dr. Socorro “Corrie” Mejía, a spirited archaeologist, dreams of unearthing an ancient Aztec warrior’s bones from deep within the Mexican jungle. Her dream comes true with an unexpected invite, but she’s not alone. Enter the infuriatingly handsome Dr. Ford Matthews, her rival since grad school, now sharing the spotlight. The jungle adventure takes a twist as they unite against a crafty thief, all while sparks fly between them. This pick from December 2023 book releases is sure to keep you turning the pages.

The Stage Kiss by Amelia Jones

Genre: Romance

Plot: We cannot wait to read this enemies-to-lovers romance from the December 2023 book releases. Two stage actors, Eden and Brennon, reluctantly take on lead roles in a nationwide tour of Broadway’s Pride & Prejudice musical. Despite their initial disdain, as they navigate their characters’ explosive chemistry and face personal challenges, their passion for the stage and each other grows, challenging preconceived notions and igniting a potential love story.

On the Plus Side by Jenny L. Howe

Genre: Romance

Plot: Everly Winters is a shy woman who is nominated for her favorite makeover show cold on the plus side. Initially, she is overwhelmed by being on the screen but becomes more comfortable due to a grumpy but kind cameraman. When their chemistry is caught on camera the ratings skyrocket. Can she risk heartbreak with everyone watching on television? This rom-com looks like a great pick from the December 2023 book releases.

God Save Benedict Arnold: The True Story of America’s Most Hated Man by Jack Kelly

Genre: Nonfiction

Plot: This is the story of Benedict Arnold and his achievements in the years before the Revolutionary War before he became the most notorious traitor The United States of America has ever seen. We are intrigued by this pick from the December 2023 book releases.

I Didn’t Know I Needed This: The New Rules for Flirting, Feeling, and Finding Yourself

by Eli Rallo

Genre: Nonfiction

Plot: This non-fiction book is everything you need to know from dating and flirting to falling in love and managing relationships. This looks like a feel-good non-fiction book from our list of December 2023 book releases.

Every Time You Go Away by Abigail Johnson

Genre: YA Romance

Plot: Rebecca and Ethan met 8 years ago as kids sharing kisses in a tree house. Four years ago Ethan left to take care of his addict mom. Two years ago Rebecca was in an accident that left her in a wheelchair and now they will learn if the hardships they have faced will bring them together or tear them apart. This YA romance is a must-read from our list of December 2023 book releases.

Our Cursed Love by Julie Abe

Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

Plot: Remy Kobata has always been in love with her best friend, Cam Yasuda, and hopes to confess her feelings during their winter break trip to Japan. However, a mystical tea leaves reading reveals they’re not meant to be together. When they discover a secret magical apothecary, they drink an ancient soulmate elixir, only for Cam to forget Remy. To break the curse, Remy and Cam embark on a journey through Tokyo to restore Cam’s memories and potentially rekindle their love. This YA romance looks like the perfect pick from December 2023 book releases.