On the Shelf: Books for the Holiday Season

By Courtney Warren
The weather outside is frightful, but a good book is so delightful! Whether you’re nestled by the fire with a cup of cocoa or looking for the perfect gift for the book lover in your life, the publishing world has delivered a sleigh-full of new releases this holiday season. I am an absolute sucker for a good holiday read so I always love finding the final releases for the month of December. From heartwarming holiday romances to high-stakes YA fantasy, here are our top picks across five categories to help you fill your shelf—and your stockings—this winter.

Children’s
The holiday season is a magical time for young readers, filled with wonder and new traditions. These picture and early chapter books are perfect for cozying up at story time.

The Gift of Words by Peter H. Reynolds: A delightful follow-up to The Word Collector. Jerome embarks on a new quest to find inspirational holiday words, only to realize that the most meaningful words are the ones you share. A beautiful tale about spreading kindness and joy through language.
Young Adult (YA)

For the teens who love to escape into other worlds, this season offers an array of fantasy, mystery, and gripping contemporary novels.
The Otherwhere Post by Emily J. Taylor: A dark academia fantasy and a Good Morning America YA Book Club Pick. It features enchanted letters, a magical post office, and a girl who must uncover the secrets of her past. A romantic and perilous adventure for lovers of mystery and magic.

Fiction
From holiday romances that warm the soul to compelling literary dramas, these new fiction releases are perfect for your holiday reading pile.
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman: The unmissable new installment in the beloved Thursday Murder Club series.9 When a wedding guest asks Elizabeth for help, the thrill of the chase is reignited, proving that even a quiet year can turn quickly into a high-stakes mystery.

The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan: Get swept away to a castle in the Scottish Highlands! This story follows an antiquarian book hunter on a quest to find a rare book. A delightful blend of mystery, romance, and holiday spirit, it’s a treat for book lovers and treasure hunters.

Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman: A moving story about two people, Grace and Henry, who have both lost their spouses and are reluctantly paired up by their matchmaking mothers.12 They embark on a friendship forged over shared grief and classic holiday movies, learning to see a life beyond their sadness.

Non-Fiction
For the curious mind, these releases offer a chance to learn and reflect on history, culture, and personal growth.
Simply More by Cynthia Erivo: This is for all of my Wicked fans! Part-memoir, part-inspirational guide from the multi-talented acclaimed actor. Erivo reflects on her personal growth, the powerful lessons learned on stage and in life, and the perseverance required to build the life you seek.

Christian
These Christian books offer devotional depth, practical guidance, and faith-filled holiday fiction to enrich your spiritual life this season.
The Best News of All: A Christmas Bible Verse to Remember by New Growth Press: A wonderful board book for young children that helps them memorize the angel’s joyful announcement to the shepherds from Luke 2:10-11, making the true meaning of Christmas accessible to the smallest hearts.

My Merry Mistake By Courtney Walsh: She is one of my new favorites because of her clean and Christian based story telling. Walsh is the best at a good rom com. After accidentally sending an email to a handsome stranger inviting him to her small-town holiday party, a cynical woman must choose between admitting her mistake or seeing where the unexpected miscommunication leads. A charming, faith-filled Christmas romance about second chances.