2023 Holiday Reading
If you’re anything like me, you struggle to feel festive this time of year. The holidays are a lot of work. Decorating, baking, gift giving… it’s not my forte. I prefer a quiet, low key, more minimalist Christmas, one where I can snuggle on the couch, drink copious amounts of coffee with Baileys Irish Cream or Rum Chata (or both), and get lost in a good book or two or three. That being said, I do love me some holiday reading — there’s something about a feel good Christmas romance… even a Christmas murder mystery (thriller lovers, you get me here). In the weeks leading up to Christmas, I like to hunt down a few seasonal reads to add to my reading list, and this year is no exception. Here are some books you’ll find me reading this holiday season.
A Risk Worth Taking by Jessica Joyce
“Claire's new adventure is on the other side of PDX's de-iced runways, but her biggest—and most worth—risk might be opening her heart up to the man she's leaving behind.”
I saw a few people hyping this short, spicy novella and the storyline piqued my interest. It’s not your standard (cheesy) Hallmark Christmas novel, more a whirlwind romance taking place around the holidays.
A Winter in New York by Josie Silver
“A young chef stumbles on a secret family recipe that might lead her to the love—and life—she’s been looking for in this stunning novel.”
My December Book of the Month pick! Fun fact, Josie Silver’s One Day in December (3 stars) was the book that sparked my passion to read more books for fun. I grabbed a copy on a Target run exactly four years ago and now I’m hooked on books.
The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson
“New York Times bestselling author Peter Swanson pens a spectacularly spine-chilling novella in which an American art student in London is invited to join a classmate for the holidays at Starvewood Hall, her family's Cotswold manor house. But behind the holly and pine boughs, secrets are about to unravel, revealing this seemingly charming English village's grim history.”
Setting aside mushy Christmas for murder vibes. Definitely excited to jump into this one.
I’ll Be Alone For Christmas by Meyer Matthews
“I’ll Be Alone For Christmas is a suspenseful novella filled with terror, a dash of gore, and packed with Christmas spirit.”
I love reading and supporting Indie authors, so when I saw this novella pop up on my book Instagram, I went straight to Kindle Unlimited to download a copy. Nothing like a holiday thriller to keep things merry and bright!
The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman
“From bookfluencer and host of the BAD ON PAPER podcast, a riotous holiday rom-com about four friends in NYC who hold onto their unconventional Christmas tradition even when their paths diverge—but the changes they fear might be exactly what they need…”
Definitely THE book of the season — everyone seems to be reading it. I have high hopes for this one!
What are you reading this holiday season?
Enjoy!
JBW