New Christmas Books 2024

The Holiday Honeymoon Switch

Author: Julia McKay

Year: 2024

Genre: Genre

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

You read it here first. The newest trend in holiday books this year is trading places/houses! Holly and Ivy are best friends who are so in sync that they look alike. When Holly’s fiancé breaks up with her the night before their wedding is supposed to take place, she is stuck with a nonrefundable honeymoon.

She convinces Ivy to go on the Hawaiian honeymoon so it does not go to waste. Ivy can take her art retreat on beautiful beaches and Holly can escape to a secluded rented cabin in the Hudson Valley where Ivy was supposed to go. Now, Holly finds out the Airbnb owner is her high school rival and Ivy meets a hotel bartender who comes to her rescue when she finds that Holly’s ex-fiance has already checked into the honeymoon suite with a different woman.

Why Jackie loves it

I loved the relationship between Holly and Ivy as a true love that only best friends can give each other. I also loved that both Holly and Ivy were able to learn about themselves and what they each needed to make themselves happy while be true to who they are.

Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024 / Christmas Romances

A Winter Wish

Author: Emily Stone

Year: 2024

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This fun enemies-to-lovers romance will brighten up your holiday season. Lexie has inherited half of her father’s holiday travel company – which is a shock because they had not spoken in over a decade. The other half of the company will go to her father’s partner, Theo, who is young, hot, and pissed he needs to work with Lexie for a year.

As Lexie and Theo work together to run the travel company, which specializes in trips to experience holidays and festivals around the world, Lexie struggles with the complex grief she has over the loss of her dad.

Why Kirsten loves it

This is less a Christmas book than a full holiday book – which is fabulous! The different celebrations I got to glimpse through the trips had my inner travel bug itching to book some incredible vacations!

This one did not pack the same emotional punch as Stone’s previous books – I didn’t cry reading this one – but I still enjoyed it. I found the lack of communication between Lexie and Theo to be pretty frustrating at times though. #gifted by Penguin Random House

Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024 / Christmas Romance Books / Emily Stone Books Ranked

Christmas is All Around

Author: Martha Water

Year: 2024

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Charlotte was a child actress who, at age nine, starred in the beloved Christmas movie “Christmas Truely.” She has since become an artist with no interest in acting but the fans are not happy about it- especially when a reprise of the film is axed after Charlotte refuses to be a part of it. To escape, she flees to the UK to visit her sister.

When she unknowingly finds herself back at the movie’s filming location (Eden Priory) and is accidentally left there, Graham, the son of the owners, gives her a ride back to London. She agrees to take a commission illustrating holiday movie scenes from iconic Christmas movies to stock in the Eden Priory gift shop. As she spends time with Graham going to and from the film locations, Charlotte might find that not everything about Christmas is bad.

Why Jackie loves it

This Christmas romance plays on the love people have for Christmas movies as well. I was rooting for Charlotte to find the joy that her sister has found, despite dysfunctional and self-centered parents.

Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024

I’ll Be Gone for Christmas

Author: Georgia K. Boone

Year: 2024

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

This is an adorable house swap rom-com for fans of the movie “The Holiday”. Bee and Clover both have reasons to need a break from their lives. Soon, Bee is living in Clover’s cottage in Salem, Ohio and Clover is living in Bee’s San Fransisco apartment. While they experience Christmas in a new locale, they make new friends, reset their own lives, and even find love!

Why Kirsten loves it

I love a Christmas romance, so you know I love 2 romances in one! Just like the movie it was inspired by, the city girl in the country and vice versa were so fun to see. I think the scenes set in San Fran were my favorite.

Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024 / Christmas Romances / October 2024 New Releases

The Christmas Countdown

Author: Holly Cassidy

Year: 2024

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Callie’s childhood sweetheart dumped her and the last thing she wants is to return home for the holidays where he will be next door – with his new girlfriend. Callie’s sister, Anita, makes her a holiday advent calendar with fun activities to get her back in the Christmas spirit. When she meets a charming baker who agrees to do the activities with her, sparks fly.

Why Kirsten loves it

I loved the Advent calendar tasks within this story – it was such a fun premise! Callie and Marco’s slow-burn love story gave me the same feeling as drinking a warm cup of peppermint cocoa. You won’t want to miss this Christmas romance.

Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024 / Christmas Romance Books

Evergreen Christmas

Author: Janet Dailey

Year: 2024

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Jordyn Banks is a horse breeder who has recently moved to Noel, North Carolina. She decides she wants to win the Christmas Crown by entering this year’s many holiday competions. But the reigning champs are her handsome single neighbor, Nate, and his charming daughter, Roxie.

As the competitions heat up, Nate needs to decide if he is ready to fall in love again. If his brother and the local Nanas have anything to say about it, his story will end tied up with a bow.

Why Kirsten loves it

Can I move to Noel? All the hilarious Christmas competitions made me wish I really could move to this charming small town. This sweet romance only had a kiss or two, but featured the sweetest family I’ve read in years. That Roxie is a treasure!

Find this book in: Holiday Books / New Christmas Books 2024 / Christmas Romances

The Christmas Crush

Author: Noelle Douglas

Year: 2024

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Elena works for a national cookie chain opening a store in New Hope, PA. Lawrence is the local baker, whose cookies are to-die-for but who is not very good at marketing them. Lawrence and Elena’s rivalry turns sugary sweet when they begin to fall for one another. But can they make their relationship work? Will they both be able to succeed? Or will one of them win the cookie wars by breaking the other’s heart?

Why Kirsten likes it

This sweet enemies-to-lovers romance was like a Hallmark movie in a book. It was entirely predictable but that’s just what I was in the mood for.

Find this book in: Bakery Romances / New Christmas Books 2024

The Nightmare Before Kissmas

Author: Sara Raasch

Year: 2024

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Royals and Romance #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Coal is the heir to the Christmas kingdom who is being forced into an arranged marriage with his best friend Iris from Easter. But when Prince Hex of Halloween shows up to court Iris too, Coal realizes he’s met him before – when they made out at a bar a year ago.

Determined to get to the bottom of what is going on between the Holiday Courts, Coal tries to avoid Hex and keep up the ruse of the arrangement. Except these princes can’t seem to stay away from each other for long…

Why Kirsten loves it

This was filled with chaotic energy, a fun new fantasy world, and all kinds of holiday lore. It was billed as Red, White, and Royal Blue meets The Nightmare Before Christmas. Seems like an odd pairing, but I went in with a totally open mind and was rewarded with a unique, charming holiday story.

Find this book in: Christmas Fantasy Books / Best Holiday Books / Best Christmas Books of All Time / Best Christmas Romance Books / New Christmas Books 2024

Kiss Me at Christmas

Author: Jenny Bayliss

Year: 2024

Genre: Fiction

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This marvelous Christmas story tells the tale of a newly renovated community theatre and the members trying to perform A Christmas Carol before the theatre is sold. It all started because 5 student were caught skipping school in said theatre by their guidance counselor – who takes the heat and offers their community service as payment so the landlord doesn’t press charges.

Harriet, the guidance counselor, was not expecting their ramshackle group to grow, and while she hoped the theatre could be an access to the community – she did not anticipate it becoming THE community hub. As she works to pull the production off, she is not expecting to partner with the landlord’s attorney – who happens to be a man she had a one-night stand with the night before.

Why Kirsten loves it

A lot is going on in this story in the best possible way. Some students bring talents and gifts to life as they earn confidence working on the production. Other community members find their place in the group and help mentor the children. There is romance, a fantastic production, and so much Christmas cheer. I also got choked up at the acknowledgment of Hanukkah and the mini celebration they have for one of the theatre members. Representation means so much.

Find this book in: Best Holiday Books / Christmas Book Club Books / Best Christmas Books Of All Time / New Christmas Books 2024

A Home for the Holidays

Author: Taylor Hahn

Year: 2024

Genre: Fiction

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This holiday fiction looks at grief, addiction, and motherhood. Mel loses her mother two weeks before Christmas, a special time of year for the two of them. When her mom’s estranged best friend, Barb, shows up on her doorstep, Mel learns about a side of her mother she never knew.

As Mel spends time with Barb and her family, she examines her complicated grief about her mother’s passing, begins to evaluate her own dreams of being a singer, and tries to get justice for a wrong done to her mother. All this comes with a side of Christmas spirit and a dash of romance as well.

Trigger Warnings

Loss of a Parent, Alchololism

Why Kirsten loves it

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this gritty Christmas novel, but I loved that it focused on complex grief. It’s important to acknowledge that sometimes the holidays aren’t merry & bright, parents aren’t always the best role models, and you can still change your life and right past wrongs at any age. This would be a great one for book clubs to discuss.

Find this book in: Christmas Book Club Books / New Christmas Books 2024

The December Market

Author: RaeAnne Thayne

Year: 2024

Genre: Fiction

More info: Shelter Springs #2

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Amanda runs the town Christmas market despite not loving the holiday season. It reminds her of the death of her fiance years prior. So instead of celebrating, she throws herself into making the market successful. Meanwhile, firefighter Rafe is the paramedic assigned to work the fair after a broken arm relieves him of other duties.

Rafe is a single dad, not looking for romance, whose grandfather is now dating Amanda’s grandmother – which does not please Amanda one bit. Can they get along at the holiday market?

Trigger Warnings

Addiction

Why Kirsten loves it

This story reminded me of Virgin River and Sweet Magnolias with all it’s small-town charm, large cast of characters, and deep history linking it to other books in the series (and previous Thayne series.) It works as a standalone – speaking as someone who has never read another Thayne book – but I did find all the stories from previous books very compelling too! It was festive and fun and made me want to look into the backstories.

Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024

The Christmas You Found Me

Author: Sarah Morgenthaler

Year: 2023

Genre: Fiction

More info: Heart of the Wilderness #1

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

When Sienna’s best friend jokingly puts a husband-wanted ad in the local paper, Guy shows up in a desperate attempt to get on Sienna’s health insurance plan and keep his 4-year-old daughter on the kidney transplant list.

As Sienna warms up to Emma and Guy living with her on her cattle ranch, she finds happiness she didn’t know she could see again.

Trigger Warnings

Chronic illness

Why Kirsten loves it

I got tears in my eyes during the scenes where Emma was particularly sick or struggling with her illness. But in true Hallmark movie style, I smiled through my tears.

Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024

Some Like it Cold

Author: Elle McNicoll

Year: 2024

Genre: YA Romance

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Jasper has arrived home from college for the holidays and to see her sister get married. Being back in town stirs up a lot of feelings and some unresolved issues stemming from how long she’s had to mask her autism and play the role of the perfect daughter. Meanwhile, Arthur, her arch-nemesis, is filming the leadup to her sister’s nuptials for a film competition.

Why Kirsten loves it

I loved being inside Jasper’s head and learning more about how she views the world. It was incredibly eye-opening to understand the autistic experience firsthand from Jasper’s (and Elle’s) perspective. I wanted to throttle her family quite a few times, but I did fall in love with Lake Pristine and it’s townspeople.

Find this book in: YA Christmas Books / New Christmas Books 2024

The Mistletoe Mystery

Author: Nita Prose

Year: 2024

Genre: Mystery Short Story

More info: Part of The Maid series

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Molly loves Christmas ever since her Gran made it so special every year. Now, she is living with her beloved boyfriend Juan Manuel and he tries to make Christmas just as special for her as when her Gran was alive. But Juan Manuel is acting strange and Molly has trouble reading social cues. What is really going on with him and will she have a merry Christmas?

Why Jackie loves it

This was such a sweet Christmas novella and while, as the reader, I was not surprised, I felt for Molly as she blundered her way through the season trying not to self-destruct.

Find this book in: New Christmas Books for 2024 / Christmas Mystery Books / October 2024 Most Anticipated New Releases

You Better Watch Out

Author: James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth

Year: 2024

Genre: Horror Thriller

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Two days before Christmas, six strangers wake up in a deserted town unsure of how to get there or how to get out. Then, one by one, they start to get murdered. They’ve fallen into the hands of a sinister person who has meticulously planned their deaths. Can they get out alive, or will this be their last Christmas?

Trigger Warnings

Graphic Depiction of Murder

Why Kirsten loves it

I’ve never read a Christmas story like this one! It was terrifying and gruesome and so clever – and that ending! My mouth was on the floor!

Find this book in: Serial Killer Books / Christmas Mystery Books / New Christmas Books 2024

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year

Author: Ally Carter

Year: 2024

Genre: Mystery Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

After losing her assets to her cheating ex-husband, mystery author Maggie Chase agrees to head to the home of her biggest fan for the Christmas holidays. Unfortunately for her, Ethan Wyatt, another author from her publishing house, is also along for the trip.

It turns out, they have traveled to the home of Eleanor Ashley, a prolific mystery writer (clearly inspired by Agatha Christie) who has a sprawling mansion in the middle of the countryside. During a snowstorm, she mysteriously disappears. Now Maggie and Ethan must work together to try to find her. With murder attempts around every corner and a growing attraction between our leads, this is one fun genre-bending story.

Why Kirsten loves it

Once I started this story, I couldn’t put it down! I was completely swept into the mystery, I was enchanted by the crackling chemistry between our two main characters, and the setting and snowstorm just left me craving a snowy night in. I was utterly charmed by this one and you will be too!

Find this book in: Best Christmas Books of All Time / Christmas Mystery Books / New Christmas Books 2024