I discovered Adult Holiday Fiction about four years ago, and have been reading them ever since. I am a mood reader, so I only read them around the holidays. Below are some of my favorite holiday reads, and ones that I recommend to others. Be sure to read my captions, so you know if it's the right fit for you!
FYI: I tend to gravitate towards the holiday reads that aren't too cheesy, and the ones that include some deeper emotional elements to them. If you have any favorites that are not on this list, I'd love to know which holiday books you love!
One Day in December by Josie Silver (A perfect read around New Years)
Two people. Ten Chances. One unforgettable love story.
This was my first holiday fiction and I read it with my personal bookclub. Every person in the group gave this book a 5/5 star rating, which never happens!
Although this book is considered a holiday romance, it's not your typical Christmas novel. While the spirit of Christmas is infused, The New Year is more of a focus. Each section is divided by the year, beginning with the main character's new Year resolutions.
This love story is by no means a smooth one and it reminds us that fate often takes unexpected turns. Prepare to smile. Prepare to cry.
Fans of the movie, Serendipity, will love this one!
Always, In December by Emily Stone (A must read author!)
This was my first introduction to Emily Stone's writing, and I immediately fell in love with it! I now read a book by Emily Stone every December, as she typically releases a new one right before the holidays. I love how Stone's books combine the holiday sentiments with deeper storylines.
Always, In December is one of my favorites. I love how the book is written, how the characters develop, how the plot unfolds, and all of the beautiful settings of London, Edinburgh, and New York.
Where some holiday books have fallen a little flat for me and felt a little too cheesy, this one had some deeper elements. I cried (ha) and I loved it.
This book is nothing like One Day in December, but fans of that book typically love this one, too!
Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey
This book was right up my alley. It has a blend of family drama, unexpected natural disasters, and romance mixed with the holidays and small-town community in the backdrop.
While this book is the last of the Peachtree Bluff Series, it can easily be read as a standalone book. The only thing is, I enjoyed this series so much that I feel one would be missing out on the Murphy family and all of the character development you get when you read the full package.
Throughout the series, we get a story of 9/11 as well as many difficult issues that so many readers can relate to including stressful family dynamics, infertility, divorce, marriage, raising young children, starting a business, single parenting, and more.
This is an excellent choice to cozy up next to the fireplace with and/or to bring with you on your next family vacation.
I want to go read it again, now!
Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand
Lose yourself in the streets of Nantucket, in typical Elin Hildebrand fashion, while laughing at all of the drama this one offers.
Winter Street takes place at a family-owned Inn, and the whole island is looking forward to its annual winter party, but as winter approaches chaos unfolds.
From the beginning to the end, this one is a page-turner filled with lots of family surprises, twists, and of course, the drama.
This book is the first in the series, and it does end on a cliffhanger, so you'll likely want to read the rest when you're done.
These are just some of my favorite holiday fiction books that I've read over the years. I'm currently reading A Winter Wish by Emily Stone and will report back! I read her books every December and look forward to them!