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Looking for new 2023 Christmas books that are the perfect escape this holiday season? Here are nine picks that piqued my interest that you will want to consider picking up this year.
I used to barely even notice Christmas novels, but last year on Black Friday, I found myself in my local Barnes and Noble and decided to pick up a few Christmas novels that were on a display table, and I.AM.HOOKED!
Christmas books are comfort food in a book. It has quickly become one of my favorite literary genres. (Is it really its own literary genre?)
Either way, I wanted to share some of the new 2023 Christmas books I’m excited to read this year. Let me know which one(s) interest you!
The books below are listed in publication order.
Let’s dive in!
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2023 Christmas Books
All’s Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon
Mackenzie is gearing up for her annual promotion as a graphic designer and the obligatory Christmas celebrations that have strangely become tied together. In other words, the more festive you are, the more guaranteed the promotion. But her extreme social anxiety does not make all these social obligations easy for her. And the last thing she expected was to have some competition, especially with her workplace crush, Jeremy. Jeremy is laser-focused on reaching his goals, especially since he is the sole guardian of his twin niece and nephew. In other words — he needs the money. As Jeremy gets to know Mackenzie, an unexpected attraction starts to grow, which definitely starts to complicate things. If you’re looking for a sweet rom-com this holiday season, this may be the book you’re looking for.
- Genres: Romance | Christian
- Length: 265 pages
- Publication Date: Sep. 5, 2023
Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
I have never read Mary Kay Andrews before, but many readers say her Christmas novels are must reads, which is why I’m excited to dive in with Bright Lights, Big Christmas this year. North Carolina native Kerry Tolliver is heading for the big city this holiday season to help her brother sell Christmas trees to to New Yorkers in Greenwich Village. As she gets to know and develops relationships with the locals, she’s called to use her “country know-how” after an elderly local is missing. In the meantime, she’s also starting to develop feelings for local single-dad, Patrick. Early readers say this book is “another homerun” from Andrews and “the perfect escape.” Sounds perfect for the holidays!
- Genre: Women’s Fiction
- Length: 288 pages
- Publication Date: Sept. 26, 2023
The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett
This is a humorous mystery novella set during the Christmas season. The Christmas Appeal follows the tensions, power struggles, and secrets within a small English town’s community theater group as they plan for their annual Christmas play. The story is told entirely through emails, text messages, and instant messages, which makes readers feel like they are eavesdropping on the characters as they interact and gossip with and about one another. As the plot unfolds, readers become like investigators, piecing together the story through these communications. The book also includes funny exchanges and mix-ups that will have you laughing out loud. And why did a long-dead Santa just fall out of a beanstalk prop. You will want to find out!
- Genres: Mystery & Thrillers
- Length: 208 pages
- Release Date: Oct. 4, 2023
Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan
One of my favorite Christmas books I read last year was The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan. So when I saw that Colgan wrote a sequel, I quickly added it to by TBR list. Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop returns to McCredie’s Old Town bookshop in Edinburgh because its been chosen to be the set of a cheesy Christmas movie. The hilarious store manager Carmen is spending her time using some of the extra funds to spruce up the store while also fending off a millionaire who is threatening to buy out the store. As it nears Christmas, Carmen, who is recovering from a breakup and not looking forward to the holiday season this year, may be in for a better Christmas than she expected.
- Genres: Romance | Women’s Fiction
- Length: 320 pages
- Release date: Oct. 10, 2023
The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson
This is another Christmas novella for those mystery lovers out there. Ashley is an American student in London, who is staying in the UK for Christmas. Emma, a fellow classmate invites her to join her family at the Cotswold Manor House for Christmas. Ashley is smitten by her friend’s brother, who is actually under investigation for a local murder. What starts as a dream come true for Ashley slowly evolves into one of the most horrifying weeks of her life. The first half is written as Ashley’s journal entries from 1989. The second half is written from Emma’s perspective in the present day. Early readers say this novella definitely has a gothic feel.
- Genres: Literary Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers
- Length: 112 pages
- Publication Date: Oct. 17, 2023
One Christmas Morning by Rachel Greenlaw
This book is A Christmas Carol meets Ground Hog’s Day with a body-swap twist (think Big or 13 Going on 30). Eva is a workaholic who is convinced by her husband to attend a weekend-long Christmas party. The ghost of Eva’s grandmother visits her when she tried to return to London in the middle of the night to tell her that she needs to face her fears. The next day, she wakes up as her assistant and finds out several secrets she’s been keeping. Eva subsequently wakes up in the bodies of other loved ones. As she walks in the shoes of people she has slowly been pushing away she starts to learn several important lessons. Now she must decide if she’s ready to let go of the past in order to move forward. Early readers describe this book as “real and heartfelt.”
- Genres: Romance | Women’s Fiction
- Length: 336 pages
- Publication Date: Oct. 17, 2023
Highlands Christmas: Wishes Come True by Amy Quick Parrish
This short and sweet Christmas novella tells the story of an American in Scotland. Melissa has just found out that her husband is cheating on her, and the marriage is headed for divorce. But things start to look up when she receives a letter saying that she’s inheriting a home—in Scotland. On her way to claim the house, she runs into Colin, who also happens to be her husband’s lawyer. Colin is not only on her flight to Edinburgh but it turns out that he lives in the same small town where her house is located. As Colin helps Melissa straighten out the ownership of her house, feelings start to grow. I love books that take place in Scotland. It always seems to represent peace in the midst of chaos. (Has anyone else noticed that, too?) Early readers describe this book as a “sweet romantic holiday read” that “will transport you to picturesque Scotland” in the middle of the Christmas season.
- Genres: Romance | Women’s Fiction | Travel
- Length: 122 pages
- Publication Date: Oct. 25, 2023
The Christmas Love Letters by Sue Moorcroft
Idyllic small town. Check. Quiet snow-covered landscape. Check. Christmas in England. Check. Maddy’s husband went missing six years ago, but she has carried on in the village of Nelson’s Bar in Norfolk, England with her daughter and Aunt Ruthie. That’s until a handsome man named Raff shows up at their door with a clutch of love letters that were apparently sent to his dad by Aunt Ruthie. This book has mystery and romance. Early readers say this book is about friendship, loss, and love; all with characters that are very relatable. I can’t wait to read this one!
- Genres: Romance | Women’s Fiction
- Length: 384 pages
- Publication Date: Oct. 26, 2023
A Christmas Vanishing by Anne Perry
Anne Perry publishes a Christmas novel every year, and readers suspect that this will likely be her last given that she sadly died earlier this year at the age of 84. (Several fans think that this might be her best.) Mariah Ellison is invited by her friend Sadie to join her for the holidays in a small English village, but when she arrives, Sadie is missing. When Sadie’s husband un-invites her to stay at their house, Mariah finds a new place to stay. Then, she begins investigating Sadie’s mysterious disappearance. What’s interesting about the investigation is that Mariah ends up learning a lot more about the villagers than she expected, and it starts to have an affect on her. This book is about love and redemption. But will Mariah manage to bring Sadie home? This is a great book for those looking for a cozy mystery this season.
- Genres: Historical Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers
- Length: 208 pages
- Publication Date: Nov. 7, 2023
The best thing about Christmas novels is that it’s not just one genre. If you’re looking for a feel-good romance, there’s a book for you. If you’re in the mood for a mystery, there’s a book for you.
What new 2023 Christmas book do you plan to read this year? And, no, you don’t have to choose just one!
Looking for more Christmas books? Check out these 35 Top Christmas Novels to Put You in the Holiday Spirit.
