Why we love it:
- A classic cosy small town Christmas read.
- Funny, heartwarming and festive.
- It's grumpy x sunshine where the girl is the grump!
If you take a classic small town Hallmark Christmas film and wrap it up into 311 pages with a pinch of spice, you get The Christmas Tree Farm. The third book in the Dream Harbor series by Laurie Gilmore follows Kira North who is an absolute Grinch when it comes to Christmas. Unfortunately for her, she's just bought a Christmas tree farm in a town that is too cute, but the farm isn't as cute and cosy as shown on social media - it has no heating for a start. Bennett Ellis is on vacation in Dream Harbor and has no intention of helping grumpy Kira set up her tree farm, but somehow fate finds them meet again and Kira realises she may need his help after all. It's the perfect spicy romance book for Christmastime, especially if you're a fan of Gilmore Girls.
Why we love it:
- The perfect Christmas book about female friendship.
- Each character is written with a lot of depth through retrospective moments.
- A lighthearted and enjoyable read set in the cosy Maple Sugar Inn.
The Christmas Book Club is a heartwarming holiday novel centred on friendship, family, and second chances. The story follows three close friends, Erica, Claudia, and Anna, who meet at the Maple Sugar Inn for their annual book club. All three seek the joy of this tradition and sharing their lives, but there's so much that they keep from each other. Hattie, a young widow and single mother, runs the Inn and is barely holding things together amid the demanding holiday. As the women spend time together, they find that each has unresolved issues as Hattie's vulnerability inspires them to confront their own lives withe fresh courage. Together, they rediscover the strength of their friendship, making this Christmas a transformative experience for each of them.
Why we love it:
- Gripping police thriller with a killer twist.
- Full of red herrings that keep you guessing.
- Has great depth and complexity with some great characters and an interesting storyline.
The Killer's Christmas List is a must-read for fans of thrillers during the holiday season. It's centred around DI Tom Stonem who faces a chilling mystery when a man's body is discovered in a quiet village with a child's Christmas list in his pocket. The first item, 'no angel', is ominously crossed off, and when a second body turns up, Stonem begins to suspect the items on the list may be the killer's cryptic murder plan. This crime novel balances a cosy Christmas setting with a dark and twisted plot, drawing comparisons to books like The Killer in the Snow. The tension between the holiday atmosphere and the murders builds a chilling suspense that fans of atmospheric mysteries will enjoy.
Why we love it:
- Christmas romance set on the Norfolk coast.
- An intriguing story that leads you to unexpected places.
- Explores deeper subjects like grief.
A cosy Christmas romance is exactly what you'll get from The Christmas Love Letters. But if you're expecting the story to go in exactly the direction the blurb might suggest, think again. If you like a romance that keeps you guessing but is sure to come with a happy ending, pick up this book that takes on everything from grief to finding love.
Why we love it:
- Festive cheer from a much-loved author.
- It's cosy, it's festive, and it's about books!
- Well-written story that's part of a series so plenty more to read!
Ollie Spencer is embracing a fresh start in the charming seaside town of Port Karadow, nestled along the Cornish coast. Eager to make new friends, she dives headfirst into her role at the local bookshop, A New Chapter. With the shop preparing for its first festive season, Ollie is determined that her creative ideas will give it the sparkle it needs to capture the town’s heart. But instead of bringing holiday cheer, Ollie feels more like a Christmas pudding than a festive fairy. With the bookshop's future on the line, she finds an unexpected ally in Max, the warm-hearted, twinkly-eyed owner of the nearby café. Together, can they bring the magic back to Ollie’s Cornish dreams in time for Christmas?
Why we love it:
- A thrilling spicy Christmas read.
- Plus-sized female lead.
- Entertaining and inclusive romance that stands out from typical holiday novels.
Bee Hobbes, a successful film star, is cast in a wholesome Christmas movie for the Hope Channel and must keep her double life under wraps. When she discovers her co-star is Nolan Shaw, her former crush and a struggling ex-boyband member, sparks fly—complicating things further as they try to keep their off-camera romance hidden from the watchful eyes on set. The story brings a refreshing take on the "co-stars falling in love" trope, adding fun layers with Bee’s secret career and Nolan’s need to revive his image. The chemistry between the leads, paired with the cosy-but-cheeky vibe of a Vermont Christmas movie set, creates a blend of warmth and steamy fun.
Why we love it:
- Heartwarming mix of holiday nostalgia, community spirit, and personal rediscovery.
- Feel-good read for the holiday season.
- Thought-provoking lessons and a clear moral of the story.
For decades, the Wheaton gingerbread exhibit has been a beloved part of Cotswold Christmas, but with dwindling interest, founder Margi is ready to give up and move to Birmingham. As her last exhibit approaches, Margi, supported by her niece, friends, and a charming school caretaker, must decide if there’s still time to revive both the Gingerbread Grotto—and her own holiday spirit. Set in the cosy Cotswolds, it’s a story that celebrates second chances, the magic of Christmas, and the importance of friendship and family, making it a perfect feel-good read for the holiday season.
Why we love it:
- Its an intense thriller with a wintry atmosphere and intricate mystery set against a holiday backdrop.
- The story's chilling twists will keep you turning pages late into the night.
- It's part of a series so you can get stuck in over the Christmas break.
As Christmas unfolds in Cumbria, DI James Walker's holiday is cut short when the maid of honour disappears from a glamorous lakeside wedding. By night's end, a search for a body begins, and it's clear that one guest harbours a deadly secret—but who? This spine-tingling crime thrillet is a must-read for winter and ideal for fans of Simon McCleave's The Snowdonia Killings—or anyone who likes a side of murder served with their mince pies...
Why we love it:
- Warm blend of romance, history, and small-town charm.
- A story of hope and resilience that anyone would enjoy.
- Community is at the heart of the book.
We wouldn't be The Works if we didn't include a classic historical fiction that's perfect for reading at Christmas. In October 1941, Bobby Bancroft is thrilled with her life in Silverdale, engaged to her airman love, Charlie, and working at The Tyke. But as Christmas nears and Charlie faces an early deployment, Bobby is left hoping for a holiday miracle to bring them together. Its a heartwarming read that captures the spirit of togetherness and love, even in tough times.
Why we love it:
- The characters carry the story and are authentic making them relatable - and likable.
- A story for everyone with romance, humour and happy endings.
- A great Christmas read for that warm and happy feeling.
Three women, three Christmas Eves, and three life-changing moments. In 1968, Cathy must choose between a lost love and her husband; in 1993, her daughter Helena’s dreams of a proposal are shattered; in 2023, Eve uncovers a shocking family secret. Only a Christmas miracle can reveal the truth hidden for generations.
Enjoy!
Choose your Christmas Eve read and get ready for an evening of relaxation. There's something for every type of reader in our selection of top books, so find one that intrigues you. There's romance, humour, crime, and thrillers for you to lose yourself in this Christmas Eve and over the festive period.
