Welcome, book friends!
To listen to my real-time reaction to these books, you can check out the full episodes on The Bookmarks ‘n Blankets Podcast on your favorite podcast platform or listen below.
I’d love to know your thoughts on any of these books if you’ve read them. I invite you to hop over to my Instagram or X (aka Twitter), where you can comment.
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There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a good book during the holiday season, especially when it’s a brand-new Christmas romance. This year, I dove into three festive love stories, each offering a unique take on holiday magic, heartwarming connections, and the kind of joy only the holidays can bring. From snowy small-town settings to surprising twists on seasonal traditions, these novels were filled with the charm and warmth that make Christmas romances so irresistible.
Each book brought something special to the table, reminding me why Christmas romances hold such a magical appeal. These stories weren’t just entertaining; they brought a sense of comfort and hope that’s often needed this time of year. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the genre or just curious about adding a little romance to your holiday reading list, these novels might just make your season brighter.
My Reaction to 3 Christmas Romance Books
Kiss Me at Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
GR Rating: 3.68
My Rating: 4
Format: Audiobook – Narrator: Caroline Fantozzi and NetGalley ARC – Digital ebook
Spice: Rated PG – None
Read more on GoodReads
GR Description: White Christmas meets Nora Ephron in Jenny Bayliss’ latest wholehearted, ensemble-cast holiday extravaganza.
Christmas can officially get stuffed because Harriet Smith is not feeling bright and merry this year. She hasn’t for a while. So when her college-aged daughter opts for Manhattan’s winter wonderland instead of Christmas at home, Harriet finds herself seeking solace in a wine-soaked one-night stand.
But how Harriet will spend the holidays is swiftly decided for her after she takes the fall for some students who break into the town’s old Winter Theater. To get the students off the hook, the theater’s elderly owner requests that Harriet direct the washed-out stage’s final Christmas performance. And Harriet will do anything to help the kids . . . even work with the owner’s lawyer who, as it turns out, is her less than impressed one-night stand.
Directing the play with him won’t exactly change her life. But it might just reignite the Christmas spirit and remind her what makes life merry and bright again.
My Review:
I thoroughly enjoyed this unique, sweet Christmas romance. I read the digital ebook and also listened to the audiobook—and I have to say, the narrator was fantastic! Her use of different voices and accents truly brought the characters to life. I highly recommend experiencing this story through the audiobook if you can.
Set in England, the story exudes a wonderfully British charm. While I occasionally had to look up certain words, phrases, or slang, which pulled me out of the story a bit, I still found it to be a fun and enriching cultural experience. Learning about other countries and traditions added an extra layer of enjoyment.
Although this book is categorized as a romance, I appreciated that the love story wasn’t the sole focus. Instead, it’s a rich ensemble story with a wide cast of characters. Admittedly, keeping track of everyone was a little tricky at times, but I loved watching the story unfold and seeing how the theater brought people of all ages together. The themes of growth, bonding, and forming lasting relationships were beautifully heartwarming. Some scenes were so touching that they brought me to tears, while others had me laughing out loud. The emphasis on the found family trope—a personal favorite—made this story all the more special.
As for the romance between James and Harriet, it was sweet but didn’t quite sweep me off my feet. While I enjoyed getting to know their characters and was rooting for them, I found the chemistry a bit underwhelming. There were some cute moments, but it lacked the spark that makes a romance truly memorable. Still, it was lovely to see their relationship blossom in its own understated way.
The story does feel festive and wintry, but I would have loved more vivid holiday descriptions to really immerse me in the Christmas spirit. While there were a few holiday touches, it leaned more toward a general wintery vibe rather than a fully festive one.
Though this isn’t my favorite book by this author, I still recommend it for its heartwarming themes and charming setting. I look forward to exploring more of her backlist and eagerly await her new releases!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
If you want to listen to all of my thoughts and get my real-time reactions to this book, listen to the episode above.
Christmas With a Crank by Courtney Walsh
GR Rating: 4.18
My Rating: 4
Format: Kindle Unlimited Digital eBook
Spice: Rated G – None
Read more on GoodReads
GR Description: A second chance with your first crush.
Doesn’t happen often.
For Liam Fisher, that first crush was his next-door neighbor, Olive Witherby.
Childhood was lazy summers, treehouse stargazing, and endless games of hide and seek at Pine Creek, the Christmas tree farm that’s been in Liam’s family for generations.
When Liam moves away, he and Olive say goodbye the only way they know how—with a fumbling first kiss neither of them will ever forget.
Even though twelve-year-olds’ promises of keeping in touch feel eternal, time and distance eventually make Olive and Liam practically strangers.
Twenty years later, Liam’s parents announce they’re retiring and selling the tree farm.
Twenty years later, Pine Creek is the last place grown-up Liam wants to be. Inherit this legacy? Not on your life.
And twenty years later, grown-up Olive is stuck.
Her work life is a lot like her love life—floundering. After a humiliating business failure, loads of debt, and one too many laughable first dates, she’s in no hurry to put herself out there again, in business or in romance.
When Olive is hired by Liam’s parents to rekindle the lost magic of the farm one final time before it’s sold, she sets out to make this the last, best Pine Creek Christmas, for the town and for a very cranky, not-so-talkative, surprisingly attractive Liam.
Part of her mission? Convince the crank to fall in love with Christmas.
The other part? Not fall head over heels in the process.
Christmas With a Crank is a grumpy/sunshine, childhood crush, opposites attract romance with plenty of sizzle but none of the steam.
My Review:
I absolutely adored this sweet, clean Christmas romcom from one of my favorite romance authors! With no language or spice, it’s perfect for the holiday season and brimming with cozy winter vibes, thanks to its delightful setting on a Christmas tree farm. This festive story is packed with holiday charm and plenty of seasonal activities, making it feel like the perfect Christmastime escape.
The main characters, Liam and Olive, were a joy to follow. Their chemistry was undeniable—they complemented each other beautifully, shared witty banter, and their romance developed in such a heartwarming way. Both characters also experienced meaningful personal growth throughout the story, adding depth to the narrative and making their journeys all the more compelling.
The supporting cast of side characters, including Liam and Olive’s family and friends, added richness to the story. The dynamics between everyone felt authentic and added an extra layer of charm to the book.
If you love dual POVs, childhood crushes, best friends-to-lovers stories, grumpy/sunshine romances, small-town settings, and holiday festivities filled with winter magic, this book is a must-read. While it has the feel-good charm of a Hallmark Christmas movie, it also offers depth through its thoughtful life lessons and heartfelt messaging. Highly recommend this touching and festive holiday read!
If you want to listen to all of my thoughts and get my real-time reactions to this book, listen to the episode above.
Five Stolen Rings by Gracie Ruth Mitchell
GR Rating: 4.37
My Rating: 5
Format: Kindle Unlimited Digital eBook
Spice: Rated G – None
Read more on GoodReads
GR Description: FIVE stolen rings, FOUR calling birds, THREE French kisses, TWO falling in love, and a Partridge in a pear tree…
Stella Partridge never expected to move back to her hometown. She never expected to be a house-sitter for the twelve days leading up to Christmas as a desperate bid to earn some extra money. And she definitely never expected to recognize the thief that breaks into the house she’s watching: Jack Piorra, her childhood best friend, the one who turned cold and distant overnight and never told her why.
Jack insists there’s something in this house that belongs to him. But Stella’s not going down without a fight–not in house-sitting, and not in love. If only locking the windows and doors could keep Jack from stealing her heart…
FIVE STOLEN RINGS is a wacky romcom mashup of Home Alone and Twelve Days of Christmas, perfect for fans of love, laughter, and holiday warm fuzzies!
My Review:
I absolutely adored this short, sweet, and clean Christmas romance! It had me laughing from the very first chapter and swooning over the couple until the final page. This author has quickly become one of my favorite romance writers. Of the three books I’ve read by her so far, all have been five-star reads, and she’s officially an auto-buy author for me. I also love that her stories are free of language and spice, making them perfect comfort reads.
The Colorado setting was a delightful touch, especially since it’s where I currently live. It made the story feel even more vivid and relatable, bringing the experiences of the characters to life in such a personal way. I also loved the cozy small-town vibes paired with all the Christmas and holiday elements. The nods to Home Alone and its sequel—two of my favorite Christmas movies—were a fun, humorous, and nostalgic addition that made me smile and laugh.
Jack and Stella, the main couple, completely stole my heart. They are very swoony-worthy together! Both characters came into the story with their own baggage, and I loved watching them work through their issues while developing a heartfelt and genuine romance. The story balanced depth and emotion beautifully, blending charming romcom moments with meaningful character growth. Some scenes had me laughing out loud, while others truly touched my heart. The witty, clever banter between Jack and Stella was a highlight, as was their open communication and the mature way they navigated their relationship.
If you enjoy dual POVs, past and present timelines, childhood crushes, friends-to-lovers romances, fake dating, and small-town settings, you’ll absolutely adore this charming holiday romcom. It’s festive, heartwarming, and full of feel-good moments. Highly, highly recommend! This has quickly earned a spot as one of my favorite holiday romances.
If you want to listen to all of my thoughts and get my real-time reactions to this book, listen to the episode above.
Bonus Short Story
Madeleine’s Mistletoe Meet Cute by Ellie Hall
GR Rating: 4.13
My Rating: 4
Format: Kindle Unlimited Digital eBook – Short Story
Spice: Rated G – None
Read more on GoodReads
GR Description: I’m a ghostbaker—covertly making Christmas cookies for the dough-challenged—and a virtual assistant on the side. When an impossibly attractive guy in flannel kisses me under the mistletoe, sparks fly, then fizzle. He’s my boss.
Maddie
You know the saying, “Things are coming up roses”? More like they’re last year’s wilted and withered poinsettias. To cap off a series of unfortunate events, I accidentally sent my boss another client’s content. He didn’t find the first kiss quote social media graphic amusing. Despite never meeting face-to-face, I doubt anything could make the grumbler smile.
However, when I get a cookie baking contract in a charming small town, I can’t help but think this is my big chance to pay off Gran’s medical bills. Then I realize I’m competing with the Stone’s Coal Co., my boss’s business.
Duffy
My mother fancies herself Mrs. Claus. She and her merry band of matchmaking elves are determined to find me “The One.” Home for the holidays, the “Not-The-One” who single-handedly ruined me for romance, is at the company holiday party. Acting rashly, I kiss a cute woman under the mistletoe. When our lips touch, it’s nothing short of a Christmas miracle. But it turns out she’s my virtual assistant.
Instead of stomping on the brakes, we go on a fake dating spree, resulting in entering the Annual Christmas Charity Bake & Bazaar Auction. I tell myself after the oven timer dings, it’ll be over. But I’m tangled in tinsel as secrets and lies pile up.
Even if we leave Santa cookies, I have a feeling if we keep up the charade, we’ll end up with coal in our stockings. But can we somehow make it work and land on the “Good List?”
This is a clean, sweet, closed-door, small town, Christmas romantic comedy featuring a grumpy boss, mistaken identity, a fake relationship, a chorkie named Pop Tart, and lots of holiday merriment.
My Review:
This adorable, clean, closed-door romcom short story is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit! Set in the charming town of North Pole, Alaska, it’s brimming with wintery vibes, holiday cheer, and festive descriptions that beautifully capture the magic of the season.
With grumpy/sunshine and fake dating—two of my favorite romance tropes—this story delivered plenty of fun. Maddie and Duffy’s banter was sharp and playful, their tender moments tugged at my heartstrings, and the chemistry between them sizzled without venturing into graphic territory, which I appreciated. Plus, Maddie’s Chorkie, Pop Tart, was the sweetest little companion.
If you’re a fan of holiday puns, cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies, and fast-paced stories, this quick read will be right up your alley. While it felt a bit too condensed at times, I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it—the engaging plot, cozy setting, lovable characters, heartwarming romance, and festive charm. I only wish it had been a full-length novel!
This story is part of the Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs series, a collection of 13 sweet, closed-door romance novellas, each featuring its own cookie recipe. Best of all, they’re all available on Kindle Unlimited!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Booksprout for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.