As we round the corner into December, you’re thinking it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. You may even be singing a song or two. For those of us who purchase romantic fiction, the holiday starts much earlier. It begins in August. That’s right, August. That is when early publications and advertising happen for the holiday season. Every year, there is a wide assortment of new titles to brighten the most wonderful time of the year.
Here is a selection of some of my favorite traditional and diverse holiday romances for 2021. Turn on the music, grab a cup of hot cocoa and snuggle up with a festive, romantic book.
Duke, Actually
By Jenny Holiday
Adult Fiction
Nothing says, “I’m over us” like showing up to a faculty holiday party with a real live duke as your date. Actually, he’s a baron but Dani Martinez doesn’t tell her soon to be ex-husband that. As Dani’s revenge date blossoms into a wonderful, supportive friendship, sparks begin to fly between her and Max. Throw in a little Christmas magic and a royal wedding and you’ve got a Hallmark Christmas movie in a book. A follow up to last year’s A Princess for Christmas, this slow burn romance is sure to put you in a festive mood.
Holly Jolly Diwali
By Sonya Lalli
Adult Fiction
When practical, straight-laced twenty-eight-year-old, Niki Randhawa, gets laid off from her job, she decides to attend a friend’s wedding in India. She arrives in time to celebrate Diwali and meet a free-spirited London musician, Sameer who helps her get in touch with her passionate and creative side. Could a holiday romance turn into something more? With wonderful, lush descriptions of India and Diwali traditions, this multicultural romance will provide a festive escape.
The Matzah Ball
By Jean Meltzer
Adult Fiction
Rachel Rubenstien-Goldblatt loves Christmas and has hidden her secret career as a Christmas romance novelist from her family for years. But when her publisher insists that she write a Hanukkah romance, she finds unexpected inspiration from a childhood friend at the musical celebration, the Matzoh Ball, on the last night of the festival of lights. This charming enemies to lovers romance will brighten your holiday.
Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough
By Josi Kilpack, Anneka Walker, and Sarah McConkie
Adult Fiction
This anthology of Regency Christmas tales will warm the hearts of those looking for traditional, historical romances. Tales from Josi Kilpack, Anneka Walker and Sarah McConkie will captivate and inspire you to dream Christmas dreams
Window Shopping
By Tessa Bailey
Adult Fiction
Who doesn’t like to window shop? Two weeks before Christmas, a chance encounter with a handsome stranger lands Stella a job as a holiday window dresser. Putting her heart into the displays brings her opportunities to fantasize about Aiden but she has to work hard to resist temptation to fall for him. A fun, festive, romance with a feisty heroine!
Can’t find these titles? Don’t despair! The Orem Public Library has many more options. Just ask your librarian for a recommendation. And remember, holiday books are always available in July and August!
Recommended by Julie Heckert, Associate Librarian
