9 Best Books To Read This Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is the perfect time to curl up with a book, once the kids are in bed and the presents are sorted. A cosy read is just what you need if you're looking for some me-time. After a busy year, you probably don't want anything too heavy. And whether you like crime fiction or romance, there's always a Christmas-themed book to get stuck into.

We've picked some of the very best books to read on Christmas Eve. Pair these festive reads with a mulled wine or hot chocolate, get out your secret tin of chocolates and relax a bit before the chaos of Christmas Day begins.


The Best Christmas Books to Read

 

The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

Why we love it:
- A classic cosy Christmas read
- Funny, heartwarming and suspenseful
- The festive love triangle!

It's a classic case of "can we save this business before Christmas?" with Jenny Colgan's 'The Christmas Bookshop'. If you're looking for a book that you can sink into while you sink into your sofa, this is the one for you. Lighthearted and full of Christmas romance, festivities, and a main character trying to find her place in the world, it's sure to give you fuzzy winter feelings.


The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict

The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict

Why we love it:
- An intriguing murder mystery with a festive setting
- Family secrets and backstabbing
- Twists and turns to keep you on your toes

Murder mystery lovers, get ready for this captivating novel that takes on the genre with a Christmassy flair. This book has everything you could ask for from a thriller, so if you prefer dark intrigue over romance, you'll love this tense story. Combining a mystery from the past with a spooky situation in the present, the gripping novel will pull you in this Christmas Eve.


Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey

Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey

Why we love it:
- Feel-good winter romance with a New York setting
- Second chances and the lesson that it's never too late
- Sizzlingly hot scenes

Some people like their romance sweet and innocent. Others prefer it to be a little saucier. If you're looking for a fun and flirty romance that doesn't shy away from getting down and dirty, you'll love 'Window Shopping'. New York is a classic setting for both Christmas and falling in love, and it turns out to be perfect for someone looking for a new start too.


Baby It's Cold Outside by Emily Bell

Baby It's Cold Outside by Emily Bell

Why we love it:
- Romantic Christmas set in wintry London and Dublin
- 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 'Baby It's Cold Outside'. 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 and nostalgia to finding love.


Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Why we love it:
- Festive cheer from a much-loved author
- Laugh-out-loud Christmas shenanigans
- Taps into the holiday chaos all mums feel!

The Shopaholic series of books has long been much-loved by anyone who enjoys romance and comedy. This festive installation is unmissable, both for those who are already fans and for readers who are new to the books. We all know the feeling of trying to keep our heads on at Christmas while everything seems to be going wrong!


19th Christmas by James Patterson

19th Christmas by James Patterson

Why we love it:
- A thrilling Christmas read
- Female-led crime fiction with a tense and gripping plot
- Part of a series—plenty more to read!

If you're a crime fiction fan, you've most likely read one of James Patterson's novels. The prolific author has pulled out all the stops for this one, set in San Francisco around the Christmas period. It's part of his Women's Murder Club series, offering a semi-rare opportunity to read a thriller with women at the centre.


A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Why we love it:
- A total Christmas classic with Victorian spooky goings-on
- A great read for the whole family
- Thought-provoking lessons and a clear moral of the story

You've seen at least one adaptation, now it's time to make sure you've read the book. Whether you have a vague memory of reading it at some point or you've never bothered, you really can't miss this Christmas classic. The plot might be familiar, but you'll still find yourself surprised by the writing. It's a great choice to read with the kids too.


Christmas with the Wartime Midwives by Daisy Styles

Christmas with the Wartime Midwives by Daisy Styles

Why we love it:
- Perfect for history lovers looking for comforting fiction
- Heartbreak and sadness, but a chance for hope and miracles
- Clever writing to evoke its Cumbrian, 1940s setting

Like other historical fiction, 'Christmas with the Wartime Midwives' does more than just focus on fluff. You can't have a wartime setting or matters of birth, life and death without some bittersweet moments. But this novel is full of love and happiness too. It's Christmas; it would be rude not to.


The Christmas Stocking and Other Stories by Katie Fforde

The Christmas Stocking and Other Stories by Katie Fforde

Why we love it:
- Bitesize stories ideal for busy mums and more
- A story for everyone with romance, humour and happy endings
- Diverse tales with a range of characters

No time to get stuck into a novel on Christmas Eve? Or maybe your attention span just isn't long enough? These short stories are just what you need. They're short enough to read quickly and long enough to draw you in and leave you satisfied. This book contains three stories that all focus on different characters, settings and circumstances to offer something different in each one.


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, thrillers and even short stories for you to lose yourself in this Christmas Eve and over the festive period.

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