As the holiday season draws nearer, I wanted to share some of the most-anticipated new holiday books of 2023! Most of these holiday romance books and contemporary fiction novels are either set during Christmas, or have some sort of holiday-related themes or plot lines.
I’ve split this series into two parts. This list (part two) features new holiday romances and contemporary holiday fiction books coming in 2023. Check out part one for 2023 holiday mysteries and thriller books. There’s something for everyone!
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2023 Holiday Romantic Comedies, Contemporary Fiction & More
Contemporary fiction and romance novels are super popular during the holiday season, probably because they’re so good at spreading love and cheer!
Whether you’re looking for a festive read or a novel that will make you swoon (or both!), cozy up with one of these new 2023 holiday books.
Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
Genre: Romance/Contemporary Fiction
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Kerry Tolliver’s family owns and operates a Christmas tree farm in North Carolina. In the fall, she travels to New York City for the first time to help her brother sell the trees, while living in a tiny camper.
She becomes close with her neighbors, including the single dad who lives down the street. But is their holiday romance meant to last?
Publication date: September 26th, 2023
Love, Holly by Emily Stone
Genre: Romance/Contemporary Fiction
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Still dealing with a traumatic accident that created a rift in her family, a woman named Holly swaps letters with a pen pal during Christmastime to feel less alone.
When she learns about her pen pal’s own family problems, she vows to help reunite the elderly woman with her grandson. But when she meets the man in person, she realizes she’s actually met him before – and there’s an undeniable spark between them.
Can Holly help her pen pal, and possibly heal her own family in time for Christmas?
Publication date: September 26th, 2023
Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Stapley
Genre: Romance/Contemporary Fiction
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This holiday contemporary romance novel follows two women who meet while traveling during the holiday season – one to her sister’s last-minute wedding, and one to meet her boyfriend’s family for the first time.
But when the plane is forced to make an emergency landing in a small, snowy town, the women – plus their love interests and an entire bridal party – are stuck there for the holidays.
This is a great choice if you’re looking for a more diverse holiday read, as this one includes Christmas, Hanukkah, and Ramadan.
Publication date: September 23rd, 2023
Emergency Contact by Lauren Layne & Anthony LeDonne
Genre: Romantic Comedy
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When a woman is hospitalized for a concussion, the hospital accidentally calls her old emergency contact – her ex-husband, Tom – to come take care of her.
Because she can’t be left alone, she agrees to travel to his home for the holidays.
But their travels are delayed due to a blizzard, and the extra time together makes them realize there might still be something between them – despite Tom’s plans to propose to his girlfriend on Christmas Eve.
Publication date: September 23rd, 2023
The Book Club Hotel by Sarah Morgan
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
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This contemporary fiction novel set during Christmas is perfect for book lovers!
Single mom Hattie Coleman owns the Maple Sugar Inn, a go-to destination for the winter holidays (with a beautiful library!).
Hattie is just hoping to get through her busiest season. But when a group of lifelong friends checks in for a book club holiday, she feels drawn to them.
It seems they’re all at a crossroads – Hattie included – and they could all use a little help healing and making some changes in their lives.
Publication date: September 19th, 2023
A Winter in New York by Josie Silver
Genre: Romance/Contemporary Fiction
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From the author of One Day in December and The Two Lives of Lydia Bird comes a contemporary romance novel set in New York City during the holidays.
Young chef Iris – new to the city – is hired by gelato stand owner Gio to help recreate his uncle’s secret recipe. Little does Gio know, Iris has the exact same gelato recipe, passed down to her from her mother.
Iris and Gio grow closer as they work to save the stand, but Iris’ secrets threaten to unravel when Gio’s uncle returns.
Publication date: October 3rd, 2023
Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey
Genre: Romantic Comedy
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This is a good choice if you like a little spice with your holiday romances! It follows Melody and Beat, both with mothers who used to be part of a popular rock band.
They agree to work together to help convince their moms to get the band back together for one last Christmas Eve concert. Sparks fly, but an old scandal lurks – threatening to ruin everything.
Publication date: October 3rd, 2023
Faking Christmas by Kerry Winfrey
Genre: Romantic Comedy
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A misunderstanding with her boss forces a woman to pretend she owns her sister’s Christmas tree farm – complete with a family she doesn’t actually have.
Out of desperation, she hires her nemesis to play the part of her husband for the Christmas weekend while her boss visits. As luck would have it, a snowstorm traps them in the house for the entire weekend, forcing her to continue the charade.
Publication date: September 26th, 2023
I hope these new 2023 holiday romance and contemporary fiction novels help put you in a festive mood this season. Happy reading!