2022 Holiday Reading Guide
Ohhhh it’s the most wonderful time of the year…! Releasing my holiday reading guide is something that brings me so much joy each and every season. I am constantly drawn to holiday books and crave reminders of the cozy, happy season all year long. I’ve loved the evolution of holiday books in the past couple years. I’ve never been one for the saccharine and cheesy Hallmark style of books. My preference for holiday books is that it feels just as full of depth as the books I read all year long…just set between November and New Year’s Day.
It’s my favorite time of year so I love experiencing characters’ daily life during the season. There’s just something about it! Plus, a little extra hope sprinkled in doesn’t hurt. Keep reading for my thoughts on some new releases and favorites from years past!
And don’t worry, there is so much more holiday content coming! Kindle Unlimited recs, audiobooks, closed door romances, classics, and of course…all the spicy romances!
New Releases
Kiss Her Once For Me by Allison Cochrun
If you enjoyed the fun, big family vibes of In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren, add this book to your list! It’s even more charming and has a realistic element amidst all the holiday magic. I loved the setting and how funny it was but it still tugged at my heartstrings.
Talk Santa to Me by Linda Urban
This is a YA holiday novel that is all Christmas. It will definitely get you in the holiday spirit! It does read young, so if that is something you don’t enjoy, this might not be for you. However, I really found it to be charming and sweet and full of magic.
Once Upon a December by Ann E. Reichert
I’m a sucker for a holiday market, so when I read that this takes place at the main character’s annual trip to Julemarket, I was all in. It’s super sweet and similar to Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle. It requires you to suspend your disbelief a bit but the writing is top notch.
You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince
I had such a great time reading this story! It has Schitt’s Creek vibes in the best way and will warm your heart. It also has excellent anxiety rep!
Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh
Another closed door romance for anyone who doesn’t enjoy a side of smut with their holiday spirit. This is a cute story full of witty banter and holiday vibes. It will definitely put you in the holiday spirit! It’s told over 10 years as two people form a bond when they fly home for the holidays each year together, until there’s a huge snafu in the plan this year.
The Naughty or Nice Cause by Kate Callagan
This book is fast paced and fun. It’s kind of like The Santa Clause 2…but with a little bit of spice tucked in there. It’s about the legend of Santa Claus and the Klaus family. I found it light, festive and fun!
The Holiday Trap by Roan Parrish
I wasn’t too sure about this book when I started it. There was a lot going on, but overall, I did end up enjoying it. It’s a take on the film The Holiday but has LGBTQ+ and Jewish rep. Plus, it’s got a big meddling family. I really liked Truman’s storyline and struggled a bit with Greta’s but I think if you’re looking for something that isn’t Christmassy, you’ll enjoy it.
Just like Magic by Sarah Hogle
I keep saying this book is like if Buddy the Elf came to life and Jovie was a disgruntled, desperate influencer. It’s a super sweet and fun book (zero spice) and will make you laugh out loud. It’s about the granddaughter of a famous actress and how she’s struggled her whole life to find her own identity. She accidentally summons the Holiday Spirit, a jovial man named Hall, and it’s job to help her find the joy of the season before Christmas Day. Read my review here.
Let it Snow by Beth Moran
Read if you’re looking for: slowburn snowy Christmas romance, childhood "enemies"/friends to lovers, only one bed & come close so we don't freeze to death, single POV, dual timeline. This isn’t wildly steamy or spicy so it’s a great choice for my friends who enjoy closed door romance!
The Christmas Clash by Suzanne Park
I haven’t been reading a ton of YA this year so it was a welcome change of pace to spend some time with these characters. It’s not wildly Christmasy in the beginning but I found the commentary on family, different pressures on Asian American children, and of course, malls phasing out!
All I Want for Christmas by Maggie Knox
This is such a cute romance! I liked it even more than their book last year. The hero is a dreamy music star and the Nashville setting is richly opulent. Plus, fake dating trope! Something I’m a sucker for.
Season of Love by Helen Greer
Another closed door Romance but this time, with LGBTQ+ rep! It takes place on a Christmas Tree Farm that’s owned by a Jewish family and I found it utterly charming.
In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae
If you like your holiday stories to be a bit more realistic but still set during the magic of the season, this is a fantastic option. That’s how I like my holiday books! Heavy on the vibes, light on the cheese. I loved this sapphic, second chance rom com set in the mountains. Read my review here.
A Merry Little Meet Cute by Sierra Simone and Julie Murphy
I can’t believe this was my first time reading Sierra Simone but if anything would get me to do it, it’s a holiday book! My full review is here but this book seems like it’s everywhere. It’s about an adult film star and a former boy band member who end up in a Hallmark style Christmas movie. Both need to save their reputations and can’t have their “scandalous” pasts discovered by the network…until they fall for each other. Read my review here.
Favorites from Years Past
Faking Under the Mistletoe by Ashley Shepherd // Lovelight Farms by BK Borrison
The Holiday Switch by Tif Marcelo // The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox
The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer // A Magical New York Christmas by Anita Hughes
All I Want For Christmas is the Girl Next Door by Chelsea Bobulski // I’m Dreaming of a Wyatt Christmas by Tiffany Schmidt
A Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli // One Way or Another by Kara McDowell
Jingle Wars by R. Holmes and Veronica Eden
Novellas
Forever Wild by K.A. Tucker // The Christmas Blanket by Kandi Steiner
The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese // Wrapped Up in You by Talia Hibbert
Spicy Books
Gifting Me to His Best Friend by Katee Robert // The Christmas Toy by Krista Wolf
Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey // Merry Inkmas by Talia Hibbert
Still not enough? I’ll link the Holiday Reading Guides from years past! There are so many holiday guides and recommendation posts if you feel like perusing readandwright.com as well.