The allure of festive holiday movies is undeniable, which is why their not-so-distant cousin, the holiday romance novel, makes for the perfect December read. Whether you’re a Meetup organizer trying to plan something festive to close out your book club programming for the year or just looking for some quick comfort reads to hit your reading goal in the waning days of 2022, we’ve got you covered. Here are six fun and festive books to read with your book club this holiday season.
1. The Holiday Swap, by Maggie Knox
If you spend hours comfort watching the Great British Bake Off and love a good twin-hijinx movie such as The Parent Trap or The Princess Switch, then oh boy joy do I have the holiday read for you! Identical twin sisters Charlie and Cass are forced to swap places when Charlie has a run-in with a cast iron pan that leaves her without a sense of taste or smell while on the set of an LA-based reality baking show where she’s a contestant. The swap is a reprieve for Cass who has been stressed out trying to run the family’s small-town bakery and escape the attention of a far too clingy ex. You don’t need a crystal ball to predict the chaos that ensues as they struggle to maintain their assumed identities (and navigate budding romances started with a lie). As one Goodreads reviewer puts it: “Baking? Romance? Twins swapping places and falling in love? Yes, please!”
2. The Matzah Ball, by Jean Meltzer
Move over Christmas, it’s Hannukah’s time to shine. Rachel is the daughter of a prominent Rabbi and well-known obstetrician who secretly writes Christmas romance novels under a pen name. When her publisher insists she writes a Hannukah novel instead, she’s left without hope for inspiration. That is until she learns of the “Matzah Ball,” a party celebrating the last night of Hannukah hosted by her 7th-grade crush and first kiss, Jacob. This is a great pick for any book club looking for something fun that isn’t completely without substances or lessons to learn. This witty-banter-filled joyous read also tackles more serious issues such as the main character’s invisible disability, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The author herself lives with the same disability and is currently studying to become a Rabbi, so the more serious topics explored in this book are handled with sensitivity and care.
3. In A Holidaze, by Christian Lauren
Can’t wait for February to get your Groundhog Day fix? Look no further than this quirky time loop holiday romance set at an idyllic, snowy cabin in remote Utah. Maelyn is having a no-good, very bad Christmas full of dreadful decisions and even worse news. The end of the night finds her sending a plea out into the universe, getting in a terrible accident, and setting off a time loop in which she’s forced to relive the weeklong family vacation over and over again. In order to break free, she must step away from family traditions, confront a decades-long crush head-on, and figure out what truly makes her happy.
Fun fact to bring to your book club: Christian Lauren is the pen name for a co-author and best friend duo, Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings—talk about living the dream.
4. Duke, Actually, by Jenny Holiday
If you can’t tell by the title, Duke, Actually pulls some slight inspiration from the ever contentious holiday favorite Love, Actually and features some elements of plot convergence. The story centers on Max, a baron set to inherit a dukedom in fictitious Eldovia, and Dani, a recently divorced New York academic. Neither has any interest in love or romance, but that’s just what they find as their worlds increasingly collide. It’s a friends-to-lovers holiday romp full of witty banter and plenty of tension.
A word of warning: this is the second book in a series. Although you don’t need to read the first book, A Princess for Christmas, to enjoy this novel, this book will spoil the plot of the first. Read with caution if you’re a purist in regards to reading order and spoilers.
5. A Holly Jolly Diwali, by Sonya Lalli
You got me! It’s another not-explicitly-about-Christmas holiday romance novel, but this time instead of centering on Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, it focuses on Diwali, a five-day festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains that is celebrated in the fall each year. Niki is a quintessential “type A” good girl who in the space of a few minutes is shamed by her parents for being single and laid off from her job. She makes the first impulsive decision of her life and hops on a plane to India to attend her best friend’s wedding. While there, she meets a London-based musician named Sam. A whirlwind romance leads her to question what she truly wants out of her life and how she wants to live it. A great read for anyone experiencing any major life changes this holiday season or looking to be introspective and intentional about their decisions as we move into the new year.
6. Royal Holiday, by Jasmine Guillory
It’s no exaggeration to call Jasmine Guillory the queen of contemporary romance. Her books are always fun, engaging, and perfectly paced – Royal Holiday is no exception. As this is the fourth book in her Wedding Date series, this is not a standalone novel, but that doesn’t make it any less of a fantastically festive holiday read. The book centers on Vivian, a middle-aged woman who accompanies her daughter, Maddie, on a work trip overseas to style the new duchess for her first Christmas as part of the royal family. While there, she unexpectedly finds herself drawn to Malcolm, the stuffy private secretary to the Queen. This book is a cozy quick read perfect for getting you in the holiday spirit.
Fun fact for your book club: the premise of this novel was inspired by a tweet about Meghan Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland.
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So grab a blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and cozy up to a crackling fire (literally or figuratively) as you enjoy these festive reads. What books are you reading with your Meetup book club this holiday season? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram which books you’ve chosen to end the year with.
Last modified on November 29, 2022
