The holidays are a time of joy and nostalgia for many, but the nostalgia can become overwhelming if you find yourself in a house full of kids. That’s why it’s a great idea to have some books about Christmas on hand that are just for adults. This way, you can take a break from the holiday madness and immerse yourself in stories about the spirit of the season without having to worry about having to explain why Santa is real or not. Whether you’re a fan of lighthearted humor, intriguing mysteries, paranormal fantasy, or heartwarming romance, we’ve got something for everyone! Let’s check out ten of our favorite books to get into the holiday spirit.
1. “The Man Who Invented Christmas” by Les Standiford
This is a delightful book about how Charles Dickens wrote “A Christmas Carol” and created the modern idea of celebrating the holidays, while still showing the darker side of the rampant poverty of 1843 England. It’s a great read for anyone who wants to learn more about this beloved Christmas classic, the literary genius who created “A Christmas Carol” in just 6 weeks, and the socio-economic crisis in which it was born. With only 256 pages, this is a relatively shorter read.
“A wonderfully absorbing and revealing account, full of things I did not realize about A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens, and the world of publishing. Once I started reading this book, truly, I could not put it down.”
2. “The Twelve Dates of Christmas” by Jenny Bayliss
This romantic comedy follows Kate, who goes on 12 blind dates in search of her Mr. Right before Christmas Eve arrives. It’s written along the lines of those infamous holiday romance movies that come out each year. A successful career woman from a small town has a well-meaning friend set her up on dates while the whole town follows along to see how it plays out. Does she find true love in the end? It’s perfect for those who love a romantic comedy, a good laugh and some holiday cheer!
3. “The Clause in Christmas: A Poppy Creek Novel” by Rachael Bloome
This is the first of seven books in the Poppy Creek series by Rachael Bloome. Cassie Hayward hates Christmas and has been through a series of unfortunate events when she’s miraculously blessed with an inherited Victorian home in the little town of Poppy Creek. Of course with her luck, it can’t be that simple. The will that grants her the home requires that she complete a series of tasks each day in December, and that the town lawyer (strong, focused, and somehow single) Luke Davis, must oversee the whole thing. As the two grow closer while working together, someone shows up from Cassie’s past to offer her the life she had always dreamed of. What will she choose? You’ll have to read it to find out, but with over 7,000 reviews, you can feel confident in giving it a shot.
4. “Wolfsbane and Mistletoe” Edited by Charlaine Harris and Toni L. P. Kelner
This is a collection of 15 original stories (including a Sookie Stackhouse story) all themed around Werewolves and the holidays. They range from scary, funny, romantic, tragic, and everything in between. If you enjoy a good paranormal fantasy and want to combine it with Christmas, this is worth picking up.
5. “A Very Merry Murder: A Molly McGuire Mystery” by Cindy Kline
This second book in the Molly McGuire Mystery series follows amateur sleuth Molly who has a murder mystery thrust upon her as she finds herself the prime suspect in the new detective’s investigation. She was enjoying her life with the bookshop in Ireland she had inherited; while working through her divorce when Henry Pierce shows up sick one night and upsets the peace she’d only recently found. If you love murder mysteries and want something themed around the holiday season, check out this read by Cindy Kline.
6. “A Lighthouse Christmas” by Jenny Hale
This beautiful romance story takes place in the idyllic village of Winsted Cape and centers around Mia Broadhurst. Mia is called back from her busy life in New York to deal with the lighthouse that’s left after her grandmother passes. The lighthouse has been in her family for generations and is filled with wonderful memories for Mia, but her life isn’t in Winsted Cape anymore. With the help of a handsome real estate agent (Will) she works on repairs in order to sell it. While cleaning the lighthouse and packing up her grandmother’s things, she comes across an old photograph with a mysterious message related to a family secret that could change everything. If you’re wanting to find a heartwarming Christmas story about family, love, and second chances, this may be the book you’ve been looking for.
7. “The Christmas Spirit” by Debbie Macomber
This is a “clean” romance story that follows a pair of best friends who lead very different lives (a Pastor and a bar owner), switching roles the week before Christmas and learning more about each other and themselves along the way. It is a Christian story that reminds us of the reason behind the season while still telling an original tale full of humor and romance. It’s not surprising that this book is described as heartwarming and super sweet when reminded that Debbie Macomber has had four Hallmark channel movies produced based on books she’s written.
8. “The Brightest Star” by Fern Michaels
Lauren Montgomery runs a Christmas store, Razzle Dazzle Decore, that’s been in her family for generations. With online superstores stealing their customers and threatening to shut their doors forever, Lauren knows this will have to be their best season yet. To help pay the bills she writes biographies on business figures on the side. She’s excited when her agent contacts her for a new job, only to learn that the subject is the owner of a large online retailer that has helped run out of business hundreds of small shop owners just like herself. She accepts the job with reservations, flies out to meet her subject, and is surprised to find that his son joins the meeting….and he’s everything she could want in a man (apart from his role in the business that’s threatening to end her life as she knows it). As Christmas, and the final hope for keeping Razzle Dazzle’s door open, draws near she makes a wish on the brightest star for some Christmas magic. With over 2,000 reviews, it’s a safe bet you’ll like this story.
9. “Santa’s Little Yelpers: An Andy Carpenter Mystery” by David Rosenfelt
It’s the holiday season in Paterson, New Jersey and lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, are surrounded by holiday cheer. Chris Myers, a newer employee at the Tara Foundation (their dog rescue organization), agrees to foster a recent litter of eight puppies. Myers, who did time for being wrongly convicted of a crime, asks Andy to represent him in getting the conviction overturned. However, when the key witness in Myers’ case is murdered, and Myers is arrested for the crime, Andy and his team must work to prove Myers’ innocence. If you’re a mystery lover looking for a Christmas-themed story, this one should be on your list.
10. “The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas” by James Patterson and Tad Safran
This book co-written by best-selling author James Patterson answers the question of what it would REALLY be like to actually receive the gifts listed in the infamous “12 days of Christmas” song. More importantly, it follows the story of a widower and his two kids who lost their mother on Christmas day, having to learn how to reclaim Christmas joy in the home years later without their late mother. It is filled with humor and depth that keeps you laughing and crying along with the family. If you’re looking for a fresh story and some good laughs, grab a copy of this new book.
No matter what kind of book you’re looking for this holiday season, there are plenty of options out there that will make your winter nights just a little bit brighter and cozier. So why not snuggle up with one (or more!) of these festive reads? Happy Holidays!