The 2023 Releases I’m Listening To During This Holiday Season
These are the books (in no particular order) full of Christmas cheer and cozy settings, that I’ve been looking forward to throughout the year. All of these books were released in 2023. With the holiday season being such a busy time, I’m listening to the audiobooks for each of these. There’s a good chance I’ll get through all of these books, since I like to continue my holiday reading through the end of the Christmas season🎄. So, I’ll be posting my book reviews throughout the month of December, and into early January.
Snowed In by Catherine Walsh
I read Holiday Romance (Book 1) last year, and now can’t wait to follow-up with the characters in Book 2. Book 1 was based on Molly and Andrew’s story. In Book 2, Megan and Christian (Andrew’s brother) take center stage. Megan’s a pariah in her small village in Dublin, and isn’t looking forward to returning there for Christmas. Christian’s known in that village as the local “bad boy”. When these two meet at a pub in Dublin, they agree to fake date to get through the holidays with their families.
Publish date: November 1, 2023
*Update: See my book review here.
The Wake-Up Call by Beth O’Leary
Izzy and Lucas are co-workers at the Forest Manor Hotel, but they’re arch-rivals. During Christmas time, the busiest season of the year, they must work together to keep the hotel afloat. As if that’s not enough, they also end up having the locate the owners of a collection of wedding rings left behind at the hotel.
I’ve been a fan of this author’s books for years, so I’m looking forward to this latest story.
Publish date: September 26, 2023
*Update: See my book review here.
Almost Like Being in Love by Sariah Wilson
Two friends, Maren and Kelly, are rising the Scottish Highlands during the holidays. In spite of getting caught in a blizzard, they’re determined to enjoy all that Scotland has to offer regardless. When they meet Duncan Campbell, Maren may have just the one. I’m looking forward to the beautiful setting and holiday cheer this story has to offer.
Publish date: November 14, 2023
Available on Kindle Unlimited with Audible narration.
*Update: See my book review here.
A Winter in New York by Josie Silver
Not only have I enjoyed quite a few books this author, but the title alone makes me want to read this one. I can’t resist a story set in New York, especially when during fall 🍂or winter ❄️. In this story, Iris and Gio must work together to find recreate the recipe for the family recipe for his family-run gelateria. Cute premise and great setting, so I’m looking forward to it.
Publish date: October 3, 2023
*Update: See my book review here.
The Christmas Star by Kate Forster
Christmas is Julia’s favorite time of year, and she’ll be visiting her family in Cumbria for the holidays. When her stepsister informs her she’s bringing a dreamy pilot to Christmas lunch, Julia lies and says she’s dating a movie star! Now, in order to not show up single, she must enlist Sam as a stand-in for said date.
I’ve enjoyed The Best Worst Christmas and The Upside Down Christmas, both by this author. Now, I’m looking forward to this short story.
Publish date: November 16, 2023
*Update: See my book review here.
Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
Kerry’s family owns a Christmas tree farm in North Carolina. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, she and her brother set out to NYC, to set up shop at Greenwich Village. While camping out in a tiny vintage camper, they must endure working together and freezing weather. Fortunately, they meet quite a few locals wiling to offer their kindness. That includes single dad Patrick, along with his six-year old son. Soon, what started out as a trip Kerry was dreading, turns into a life-changing experience.
Publish date: September 26, 2023
*Update: See my book review here.
The Takedown by Carlie Walker
Sydney is an undercover CIA Agent, who hasn’t visited her family in Maine for three years. This year, she’s returning home for Christmas on a special mission. Sydney’s sister, Calla, recently became engaged to Johnny Jones. As it turns out, Johnny Jones, whose family is part of an organized crime dynasty. Given Sydney’s best-in-class reputation, she’s recruited by the FBI to help infiltrate the Jones family. It’s hard enough for Sydney to perform her job when it involves her family, but when she meets handsome bodyguard Nick, everything becomes a lot more complicated.
Publish date: October 3, 2023
*Update: See my book review here.
The Faking Game by Portia MacIntosh
It’s been a few years since Cara and Millsy became a couple. Now, things have fizzled out between them. With the holidays coming up, they realize they’ll have to fake they’re still still together for the sake of their friends and family. This is the sequel to The Plus One Pact, and I’m really looking forward to catching up with Cara and Millsy. Book 1 was an entertaining rom-com, and I’m hoping Book 2 will offer more of the same.
Publish date: October 5, 2023
*Update: See my book review here.
A December to Remember by Jenny Bayliss
I’ve enjoyed other books by this author, because I find her stories so cozy. In this latest book, three estranged half-sisters, will gather for the reading of their father’s will. There, they learn they’ll have to work together in order to receive their inheritance. That’s the last thing the sisters want, it’s actually exactly what they need.
Publish date: November 9, 2023
*Update: See my book review here.
One Christmas Eve by Shari Low
This is a multi-generational story that takes place on a Christmas Eve that changed three women’s lives. For Cathy, the grandmother, it was Christmas Eve of 1968. For Helena, her daughter, it was Christmas Eve 1993. For Eve, her granddaughter, it’s Christmas Eve of 2023. Over the span of three decades, each of these women have been changed by those Christmas Eve moments. This will be my first book by this author, and I’m looking forward to it.
Publish date: August 29, 2023
*Update: See my book review here.
Have you read any of these books? Do you continue to read holiday books past Christmas Day?
Sam@WLABB
I read half of these! The Takedown was a great surprise for me. I am loving all these YA authors crossing over and doing such a great job.
Lucy
Glad you’ve read so many of the books on my list! I loved the Takedown, and now can’t wait to read more bye this author.
Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads
Great list! I’m especially looking forward to reading The Wake-Up Call 🙂
Lucy
Thank you! I’ve enjoyed other books by Beth O’Leary, so I have high hopes for The Wake-Up Call. I have the audiobook and will be listening to it soon 😉.