Inspiration
9 of the best Christmas books to read in 2024
Dec 12Is there anything better than cosying up with a good book, a big mug of something warm and a thick blanket over the Christmas holidays? We think not! Whether a way to switch off amidst the Christmas chaos or to get into the festive spirit, reading a few of the best Christmas books is always a good idea. No matter if you’re looking for a Christmas thriller or a romantic festive read, look no further for our pick of 9 of the best Christmas books in 2024.
9 of the best Christmas books to read in 2024
1. One Day In December by Josie Silver
First up on our list of the best Christmas books to read in 2024 is One Day in December by Josie Silver. Laurie doesn’t buy into the soppy love at first sight spiel, until she does. As she’s travelling on a misted-up bus, she spots a stranger, Jack, through the window and feels an instant spark. After hoping of crossing paths again and looking high and low in the hopes of reconnecting, Laurie starts to lose faith that fate will bring them together once more. Fast forward a year and Laurie is introduced to Sarah’s new boyfriend at her party. To Laurie’s surprise, it’s Jack – the man she had been hoping to cross paths with but who is now inexplicably off-limits. What follows next is ten years of missed opportunities, heartbreak and friendship and how fate mysteriously winds and weaves on the journey to happiness.
2. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A Christmas classic, you’ll certainly be familiar with Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol and the infamous Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge, a grumpy and lonely man, is visited by the ghost of not only his former business partner, Jacob Marley, but also the spirits of Christmas past, present and yet to come. As he is transported to different situations and scenarios, he is shown how his behaviours have affected those around him over decades and what his future looks like if he doesn’t change his miserly ways. An uplifting tale of transformation, new beginnings and how it’s not too late to correct the errors of our past, this timeless traditional book is, and will always be, one of the best Christmas books to read during the festive season.
3. The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett
Next up on our list of the best Christmas books to read in 2024 is The Christmas Appeal by the Sunday Times bestselling author, Janie Hallett. Author of The Appeal, the same loveable characters return for this hilarious holiday murder mystery involving a dead Santa, a pantomime and an asbestos-filled beanstalk. Join lawyers Femi and Charlotte as they scour through emails, letters and texts to find out which of the amateur theatre enthusiasts, the Fairway Players, killed Santa. An entertaining read you’ll race through on a festive afternoon, we also recommend reading The Appeal first to get to know the charismatic characters of Lower Lockwood.
4. The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson
Meet Ashley, an American student living in London and with family on the other side of the pond, she plans on spending the holidays by herself. But when a last-minute invitation pops up for her to spend Christmas in the Cotswolds with her fellow student and friend Emma, she can’t say no. Mesmerised by the stately home, its charming surroundings and Emma’s handsome younger brother, Adam. It’s a dream come true. But Adam is being investigated for the brutal killing of a girl from the village and what follows next is a bending tale of mystery and suspicion, which reaches its ghostly conclusion in New York over 30 years later.
5. The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan
One of the best Christmas books to read in 2024 is The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan. When Carmen finds herself unemployed, with no way to pay her bills and no love interest on the horizon, she decides to move in with her heavily pregnant sister, Sofia, much to both of their apprehension. Sofia, a successful lawyer with her own practise, has found a job perfect for her sister – working for one of her clients who owns a rare book shop. Can Carmen save the shop from closing down and will she find love along the way? A heartwarming read that we adored!
6. Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay
Brutally honest, hilarious and poignant, Adam Kay is back with Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas following his Sunday Times Bestselling book, This is Going to Hurt. A collection of short stories of the goings-on from the Christmas shift from 2004 to present. This book will have you laughing, smiling and sobbing from page to page so make sure to come armed with tissues! A rollercoaster of a read, it’s no surprise this is one of the best Christmas books for 2024.
7. Gifts by Laura Barnett
Another collection of stories, Gifts by Laura Barnett is a lovely tale of twelve people, all interconnected and the gifts they are thinking of buying for Christmas. From a dad not sure what to get his daughter who’s just moved in with him to a grandmother who wants to treat her carer to something special, this inspiring and comforting tale is all about how beautiful, happy, difficult and tough Christmas can be and how those around us are gift enough.
8. Meet Me Under The Mistletoe by Jenny Bayliss
Next up on our list of the best Christmas books to read in 2024 is Meet Me Under The Mistletoe by Jenny Bayliss. You might have guessed from the title, but if it’s a holiday romance you’re after then look no further. Elinor, or Nory for short, runs a second-hand bookshop in London and decides to escape the city for her school friend’s wedding, only to be reunited with her childhood enemy, Isaac. With Nory being privately educated and Isaac having nothing but contempt for snobs, the two seem worlds apart but have much more in common than they think…
9. The Christmas Wish by Lindsey Kelk
And last up on our list of the best Christmas books to read in 2024 is The Christmas Wish by Lindsey Kelk. Lawyer Gwen finds herself newly single at Christmas and with her career in the balance too, she’s hopeful a family Christmas will help heal her. Then Gwen wakes up and realises it’s Christmas Day all over again and is living her own version of Groundhog Day. As she falls for her home-town crush, Dev, Gwen is left torn wondering how she can get out of this cycle because how can you fall in love with someone who doesn’t remember you from one day to the next?
xxx
We hope you’ve enjoyed this round-up of the best Christmas books in 2024. Stick that kettle on and cosy up with one of these books! Which will take your fancy or have you read any of these already? Let us know in the comments!
P.S. Looking for a gift for a book lover? Or wanting to drop a hint to a loved one? Don’t miss our brand-new Personalised Any Quote Book Journal, personalised with their favourite literary quote. The perfect gift for any and every book lover.
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