Christmas books to read this December

December is nearly here and the countdown to Christmas is on, so here are 10 different Christmas books to read this festive season.

If you're like me, then December is one of your favourite months of the year. I absolutely love December and am definitely not a grinch.

Christmas is my favourite time of year; I get to spend time with family and friends, soak up all the positive, festive vibes, and watch Christmas films and read Christmas books.

Each November, I have to rearrange my bookshelves to make space for my Christmas books. I have quite a lot, and I thought I'd share some Christmas book recommendations with you.

So, if you're a reader and want to read some festive novels, then here are 10 recommendations for you to read this December.

Christmas Book Recommendations

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Genre: Classic

Synopsis: "When the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge dismisses Christmas as mere "humbug," he has no idea that his cold heart is about to be transformed forever. On a bitter Christmas Eve in Victorian London, Scrooge receives an otherworldly visitation from his deceased business partner, Jacob Marley, who brings a dire warning: three spirits will visit before dawn, offering one last chance at redemption.

As the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come guide Scrooge through forgotten memories, hidden truths, and possible futures, he witnesses the true spirit of Christmas through the joy of his nephew's dinner and the humble celebrations of Bob Cratchit's family—including the unforgettable Tiny Tim."

My Thoughts: Starting off with a classic, The Christmas Carol is a staple of the festive season. Most people know the story of Scrooge, and I can't wait to revisit this timeless tale this Christmas.

The Secret Christmas Bookshop by Cressida McLaughlin

Genre: Romance

Synopsis: "In a village by the sea, where wintry skies bring a dusting of sparkling snow, somebody is opening an unexpected gift…

When Sophie receives a surprise package, she’s intrigued to find a beautifully bound book inside.

Sophie is desperate to discover the mystery sender, and her hunt draws her to the enigmatic Harry. The subject of much gossip since his return from London, Harry keeps to himself in his crumbling manor house.

But they are both about to learn that the best stories can take on a life of their own."

My Thoughts: I absolutely loved this book when I read it last year. It is full of Christmas cheer and has a literary mystery running through it that I just loved. Plus, Felix the Goat is such a great character!

Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie

Genre: Murder Mystery

Synopsis: "It is Christmas Eve. The Lee family reunion is shattered by a deafening crash of furniture, followed by a scream…

Upstairs, the tyrannical Simeon Lee lies dead in a pool of blood, his throat slashed.

But when Hercule Poirot, who is staying in the village with a friend for Christmas, offers to assist, he finds an atmosphere not of mourning but of mutual suspicion. It seems everyone had their own reason to hate the old man…"

My Thoughts: I really enjoy reading Agatha Christie's books, and this story about Hercule Poirot at Christmas seems right up my street. I haven't read it yet, but it is one I hope to read soon.

The Comfort Food Café by Debbie Johnson

Genre: Romance

Synopsis: "It’s been a tough year for Maxine Connolly – so tough she's almost given up on finding her happy ending. But then she discovers The Comfort Food Café, shining like the star on top of the Christmas tree and welcoming her in to its cozy, cake-filled embrace for hot chocolates dripping with whipped cream, melty grilled cheese toasties and the funniest bunch of regulars she soon calls friends.

Then there’s gorgeous local Gabriel Moran, who looks at Max like she’s a present he can’t wait to unwrap – and she can’t help but think that, maybe, he’s just what she wants for Christmas too…"

My Thoughts: I read this book last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's more than a romance; it's about found family and making your own happiness in life, no matter where you end up.

The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury

Genre: Romance

Synopsis: "While searching for her family's long-lost heirloom ring, military widow Vanessa Mayfield meets handsome antique dealer Ben Miller. The two are drawn to each other and forge a friendship that soon becomes a deep and breathtaking romance. But neither are sure that what they've found can last...Days before Christmas, when all seems hopeless, Ben and Vanessa learn an important eternal truth: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

My Thoughts: I'm really intrigued by this book because I hadn't heard much about it since before I saw the trailer for the movie, but I think it'll be such a wholesome, heart-warming Christmas read.

Murder Most Festive by Ada Moncrieff

Genre: Murder Mystery

Synopsis: "Christmas Eve, 1938. The Westbury family and assorted friends have gathered for another legendary celebration at their beautiful country house. The champagne flows, the silverware sparkles and upstairs the rooms are ready for their occupants.

But one bed will lie empty that night. On Christmas morning, David Campbell-Scott is found dead in the snow. There's a pistol beside him and only one set of footprints.

Yet something doesn't seem right to amateur sleuth Hugh Gaveston. Campbell-Scott had just returned from overseas with untold wealth - why would he kill himself? Hugh sets out to investigate..."

My Thoughts: I've read one of Ada's books before and really enjoyed it, so I have a feeling Murder Most Festive will be right up my street too.

The Winter Killer by Alex Pine

Genre: Crime novel

Synopsis: "As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, DI James Walker receives a phone call that puts paid to his Christmas break. During the wedding of the year at a lakeside hotel, the bride’s sister has vanished.

When Rachel left the wedding breakfast before her speech, newlywed Libby was furious. But as the night went on with no sign of her maid-of-honour, Libby started to realise something was very, very wrong…

Before the wedding night is out, the lake is being searched for a body.

Something old, something new. One guest is a killer. The question is: who?"

My Thoughts: This book is book three in the DI James Walker series, and I was hooked by the blurb. Again, not one I've read yet, but one I hope to read because it just sounds so good!

I'll Be Home For Christmas by Karen Clarke

Genre: Romance

Synopsis: "Nina Bailey loves Christmas. Except this year she doesn’t. Because it turns out that her husband-to-be has been cheating on her – and her beautiful wedding ceremony in the snow is cancelled.

She’s not really in the mood to be jolly, sing carols, or go anywhere near gingerbread men – in fact, what Nina wants is to avoid the whole thing. So she’s come to stay at her Aunt Dolly’s cosy café to nurse her broken heart.

Nina is determined to get through Christmas with no tinsel, no fuss – and definitely no flirting. So when she arrives and meets infuriatingly handsome Ryan Sadler, with his gorgeous forest-green eyes, she is not best pleased...With sparkling lights adorning every wall and a tree to equal the Rockefeller Center’s and, yes, mistletoe above every doorway, can Nina resist the magic of Christmas – and stick to her no-romance rule?

My Thoughts: Set in a small French town, this book had all the cosy vibes when I read it a couple of years ago. It's such a comforting novel and the French backdrop is so picturesque. I really enjoyed this one.

The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan

Genre: Cosy Romantic Mystery

Synopsis: "Mirren Sutherland didn't expect an old book in her great-aunt's attic to change her whole world. But one minute she is staring resentfully at the sparkly London Christmas lights, dreading the thought of another Christmas alone. And the next, she is being whisked away on a secret night train to a grand old house in the highlands...

Jamie McPherson is desperate to save his family home - and he needs Mirren's ability to sniff out an antique to do it. There is a very rare, very valuable, and very lost book somewhere in the nooks and crannies of his family's crumbling estate. And if Mirren can find it, they might just be able to save the McPhersons from financial ruin.

But the house has its secrets, and when a snowstorm traps Mirren and Jamie in, along with rival book hunter Theo Palliser, they realise that there is much more than just a book hidden in the halls. With old feelings and new sparks slipping through the cracks, it's a race against time - and snowfall.

With the help of a sprinkle of Christmas magic, will Mirren uncover the clues and find the book - without losing her heart?"

My Thoughts: I haven't read a Jenny Colgan book before, but this one looks so good. The cover, first of all, is gorgeous, and the blurb intrigues me so much. I think I'll definitely have to read this book soon.

Murder Under the Mistletoe by Reverend Richard Coles

Genre: Mystery novella

Synopsis: "It is Christmas Day and at Champton Rectory, Canon Daniel Clement and his mother Audrey are joined by the residents and guests of the big house to drink, eat and be merry.

At the festive feast, peace and goodwill prevail. Until two meet under the mistletoe. One of them falls down dead. And Daniel suspects murder has returned to Champton . . .

Can Daniel and Detective Sergeant Neil Vanloo solve the crime and catch the Christmas killer?"

My Thoughts: I haven't read any Reverend Richard Coles' books before, but people in my book club have. This novella seems like a short and sweet murder mystery to read at Christmas.

Want more recommendations?

I hope the above recommendations intrigue you to give them a read this December. However, if you're looking for even more Christmas book recommendations, then head to my Instagram and TikTok, where I'll be sharing a festive book each day until Christmas.

Until next time...