5 Must-Read Holiday Romance Novels to Snuggle Up With This Winter
There’s nothing like escaping into a good holiday romance novel when the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall. Whether you’re curled up by the fire with hot cocoa or wrapping gifts with soft lights twinkling nearby, these five heart-warming reads are perfect for adding an extra spark of love to your winter season.
1.) “Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor” by Lisa Kleypas
Set in the picturesque seaside town of Friday Harbor, this contemporary novel follows toy-store owner Maggie Conroy and her slow-burning connection with Mark Nolan, a widower raising his young niece over the holidays. The story beautifully blends themes of grief, renewal, and unexpected love as the festive season draws them together when both least expect it. According to Publishers Weekly, the novel is a “spritely charmer” that avoids the usual overly-sentimental holiday clichés, anchored by strong, relatable characters.
Why it’s perfect: If you love romance that feels like a cozy Hallmark movie with genuine emotional depth, this one will warm your heart from the first snowfall to the last page.
2.) “In a Holidaze” by Christina Lauren
This clever twist on the classic winter tale blends holiday vibes with a “Groundhog Day”-style time loop. Protagonist Maelyn “Mae” Jones finds herself reliving the same Christmas vacation over and over after a disastrously funny start to the season—and slowly realizes the second chances she most wants involve both love and self-discovery. Critics have praised the book for its “yuletide cheer” and lighthearted humour, making it a fun and feel-good novel perfect for snowy reading sessions.
Why it’s perfect: If you enjoy romantic comedies with a twist and plenty of warm laughs—plus the irresistible longing of “what if?”—this charming novel is hard to put down.
3.) “Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances” by John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle
For readers who love variety, “Let It Snow” offers three interconnected stories set during a massive Christmas Eve snowstorm in the small town of Gracetown. Each tale features its own cast of teens navigating love, mishaps, and winter magic, with all three narratives weaving into a delightful tapestry of festive love. Originally published in 2008 and well-received by critics for its humor and heart, it’s a great choice for readers of all ages.
Why it’s perfect: This anthology is ideal if you like multiple short love stories in one cozy package—think romantic escapism in bite-sized portions, perfect for snowy afternoons.
4.) “My True Love Gave To Me: Twelve Holiday Stories” edited by Stephanie Perkins
If you want even more seasonal variety, this anthology brings together twelve short stories from a lineup of beloved YA authors. Each tale takes place throughout the winter season, exploring different holidays, characters, and types of love—from first glances under twinkling lights to heartfelt reunions around a fireplace. Publishers Weekly praised the collection as having “no shortage of cozy setups for holiday romance,” making it a true seasonal treat.
Why it’s perfect: Great for dipping in and out between baking cookies or decorating the tree, this collection delivers diverse voices and romantic moments that resonate long after the last page.
5.) “Lovelight Farms” by B.K. Borison
While not as universally known as some classics, “Lovelight Farms” has become a beloved choice among romance readers looking for seasonal spirit with a modern twist. Featuring a struggling Christmas tree farm, small-town charm, and a slow-burning fake-dating arc that blossoms into something real, this novel offers both laughs and heart-melting romantic tension. It appears consistently on reader-recommended lists of festive love stories.
Why it’s perfect: This one’s for anyone who wants that quintessential small-town Christmas feel with romance that feels like coming home.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer lighthearted laughs, enchanting seasonal twists, or heartfelt connections set against snowy backdrops, this winter’s best romance novels offer a warm escape from the cold. From classic stories of newfound love to inventive modern tales of second chances, these books prove that seasonal romance is one of the coziest genres to snuggle up with when the nights grow long and the world turns white.
