12 Festive Books that Aren't Romance Novels
Here is the deal: I love the Romance genre. And while I think some people need to give it more of a chance before writing it off, I do understand that sometimes a genre just isn’t for you. I also understand that most festive books seem to be Romances. But that doesn’t mean you should be able to enjoy sometimes cozy and full of cheer during the most wonderful time of the year!
So, I gathered some options for you. If you’re looking for something nostalgic, contemporary, full of suspense, or just a little joy, I hope these work for you!
The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman
One Sentence Pitch: A group of friends has spent the last ten Christmases in NYC together but after a bumpy previous season and a new job across the country, this Christmas might be their last.
The Deal of a Lifetime by Fredrik Backman
One Sentence Pitch: A tearjerker that isn’t too Christmassy, but starts with a father telling his son a story on Christmas Eve and explores forgiveness, grief, and moving forward for the people we love.
A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig
One Sentence Pitch: A heartfelt and magical story about Nikolas, nicknamed “Christmas”, who will one day be Santa Clause.
Greenglass House by Kate Milford
One Sentence Pitch: A festive, wintry mystery as Milo’s home fills with mysterious and secretive guests.
Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
One Sentence Pitch: The classic story of a family that tries to “skip” Christmas, which inspired the equally classic film, Christmas with the Kranks!
Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva
One Sentence Pitch: Holiday cheer and Victorian whimsy take center stage in this book that is a look at how Charles Dickens wrote the famous A Christmas Carol.
The Van Der Beekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glasser
One Sentence Pitch: An adorable story of a family of siblings who set out to save their family’s rented apartment building from being sold before Christmas.
Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan
One Sentence Pitch: If you are a fan of The Chronicles of Narnia, this is a lovely and wintry book with a modern, nostalgic spin.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
One Sentence Pitch: A magical story set in the wintry wilderness and explores growing up.
Christmas: A Biography by Judith Flanders
One Sentence Pitch: If you’re not into fiction and want a little history of how the holiday season became what it is today, this book is on my list!
The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale
One Sentence Pitch: I’ll let the publisher’s pitch speak for itself, “A dark, enchanting, spectacularly imaginative novel perfect for fans of Jessie Burton's The Miniaturist and Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus.”
A Christmas Legacy by Anne Perry
One Sentence Pitch: A tension filled festive mystery where no one in the household is safe to make it through the holidays.