December reading finished out 2025 with a bang. Some really good Christmas books, and a couple at the end of the month that were not Christmas-themed! Let’s get started!
Historical fiction:
My Christmas historical fiction included the first 3 (of 4) in the series Regency Christmas Brides. I loved the premise of the series, and all the books were great. I’ll read #4 next year!
A Seasonal Pursuit by Rebecca Connolly
I’ve loved so many of Rebecca’s books—and this one was right up there with some of my favorites! This was such a fun friends-to-lovers story. I just smiled the whole time I was reading it.
Rules of a Ruse by Laura Beers
I can’t resist a Scotland-set historical romance—especially one set at Christmas! Another spunky heroine in this one.
Yuletide Bride by Kasey Stockton
Kasey is another author I’ve read before and enjoyed. And I do love a marriage of convenience story—and set near Bath at Christmas! Loved these two learning not only to love one another but also how to communicate with each other!
Now for more historical Christmas outside of that series!
The Inheritance by Melanie Dobson
A Christmas novella set in turn-of-the-century Aspen, Colorado. I loved a bit of the history of the town as well as the sweet romance.
A Very English Christmas by Carrie Turansky, Marguerite Gray, and Carole Lehr Johnson
This collection of three historical novellas is framed by a contemporary story set in an English antique shop. Each story tells the history of an item in the store, and all three weave in a classic author—Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter. Very enjoyable.
As Sure as the Sea by Jamie Ogle
Jamie is quickly becoming a favorite historical author! Her time period is ancient church history. Not a Christmas set story, but this book follows the character Nikolas, bishop of Myra, one of the two “St. Nicholas” characters believed to have contributed to the legend of Father Christmas/Santa Claus. Fascinating history and a wonderful, slow-growing romance.
To Reveal a Reckless Love by Robin Lee Hatcher
Book 4 of The British are Coming—a series set in late 1800s Idaho and featuring several British characters who come to the American West. I was very glad artist Roger finally got his story. I have liked him throughout the series thus far. And a very sweet and happy story it was!
Contemporary fiction:
The Holiday Husband by Jenny B. Jones
Oh. My. I loved this book so, so much! It’s not your typical fake-husband story—because the husband isn’t fake. But it isn’t reality, either. You’ll just have to read it.
Forever Christmas by Christine Lynxwiler
I found this one on my Kindle from 10 years ago? And, according to Goodreads, I’d even read it before. But I didn’t remember it at all. Which is fine, because I whatever I thought of it before, I know I loved it this time! Fun story and very sweet friends-to-lovers romance!
Better Watch Out by Natalie Walters
You know I’m not a huge suspense reader, but this one was lighter on suspense and heavier on romance. And it was great! I mean, NYC at Christmas? Yes, please! And bonus points for the shout-out to Levain’s Bakery. I have had their cookies, and they are amazing!
A Match Made at Christmas by Courtney Walsh
Another friends-to-lovers story—that seemed to be my theme this year! Nothing better than being thrown together on a match-making task over Christmas on Nantucket. Loved it.
A Holly Jilly Christmas by Emma St. Clair
My first book by this author, and I’ll definitely read her again. Just as billed—a romantic comedy. At Christmas. In small-town Texas. Very fun read.
The Last Father-Daughter Dance by Lisa Wingate
Not a Christmas story, but a short story that will tug at your heartstrings and probably make you cry! At least, that’s what it did for me!
Non-fiction
I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You by Miranda Hart
I’ll confess, this book wasn’t quite what I thought it would be, but it was interesting nonetheless. This basically recounts her journey to physical and mental wellness and what she learned along the way. I listened to it and, since it was read by Miranda herself, I enjoyed it. Of course, if you don’t know Miranda Hart’s work, you might not be as interested in it as I was.
Wow. Great way to end the year! I’m looking forward to the books I already have queued up for January, and excited to get my hands on several 2026 new releases!
What books are you most looking forward to in 2026?