With suggestions from real people who have really read the books, you’re sure to find something you love. Here is a roundup of BookTok’s favorite holiday reads!
By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer
Good Spirits by B.K. Borison
This book follows Harriet York, a major people-pleaser, who recently inherited her Aunt’s antique shop. When Nolan Callahan, the Ghost of Christmas Past, is assigned Harriet for his holiday haunting this year, he finds himself stuck on her. They examine her past, and he finds himself falling for her. With magic, wit, and the power of romance, this book will whisk you away.
Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh
This friends-to-lovers narrative follows Molly and Andrew, who met through mutual friends, and find themselves on the same grounded flight. They’ve been taking the same flight from Chicago to Ireland for ten years, and nothing romantic has ever happened. However, as they work together to find a way home in time for Christmas dinner, they find love, too.
If you like this one, readers also suggest you read Snowed In, also by Catherine Walsh.
Read more about BookTok here.
The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan
The story follows two sisters who couldn’t be more dissimilar as they navigate the holiday season. Carmen is flying by the seat of her pants when the department store where she works closes. Forced to move in with Sofia, who has a picture-perfect life, she actually finds purpose. One old bookshop, two love interests, and a fast-approaching holiday make this a whirlwind of a read!
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
This is an enemies-to-lovers romance wrapped up in a cozy mystery novel. Fast-paced action moves the story along as Maggie and Ethan both work to solve the same whodunnit: the disappearance of the most powerful author in the world. A book about books that will not disappoint. It is a quick read, perfect for the holidays!
Read more about cute couples in books and movies here.
Comfort & Joy by Kristen Hannah
On Christmas Eve, Joy decides to leave her life behind in search of happiness. Unfortunately, the universe has other plans. Her plane crashes. After walking away without so much as a scratch, she decides to have an adventure. Here, she meets Daniel, a single father struggling to raise his son. The two meet and form a bond instantly. Will Joy’s luck turn? You’ll have to read to find out. This is my favorite of the bunch!
Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey
This spicy opposites-attract holiday romance follows Stella in Manhattan. When her eye for design lands her a new job decorating a famous department store, she gives it her all. All the while trying to ignore that her new boss is, well, super hot. Of course, the pair can’t keep their hands off each other! Be ready for some serious spice in this one. Entertainment Weekly didn’t dub Tessa Bailey the “Michelangelo of dirty talk” for no reason!
The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews
The newly divorced Ivy Perkins buys an old farmhouse, seeking change. The previous owners left behind furniture, junk, and… a Santa suit? Handmade and decades old, Ivy finds a note in the pocket. The note was written by a little girl years ago, sharing her Christmas wish. For her father to return home from the war. Ivy embarks on a quest to find the little girl, which brings her community and unexpected healing.
A good cozy book is perfect for the holidays. In the car on the way to Grandma’s, in the living room on Christmas Eve, or just on a cold day, these BookTok recommendations are short, sweet, and festive. You won’t want to miss them!
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Author: Jayne Turner is a freelance writer from Orange, California. She has a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience with an emphasis on language and cognition. She has ten years of musical theatre experience and a lifelong love of reading. Utterly excited by the brain, she brings a fresh Gen Z perspective to the topics that intrigue us most.
