We are officially heading into the Dog Days of Summer, when the heat is relentless and staying inside with the AC blasting is an absolute must. What better time to catch up on the holiday TBR pile that got lost in last year’s end-of-the-year chaos? Celebrate Christmas in July by clearing out these 2025 festive reads—just in time for the brand-new wave of 2026 holiday titles landing on shelves this September! Not sure where to start? Don't worry, I've rounded up 9 of my favorite holiday books from last year to get you started.
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SNOWY WHODUNITS
Ho-Ho-Ho Homicide! Have you ever thought that the holidays may drive you to murder? These holiday mysteries are the perfect blend of crime and Christmas cheer.
A Christmas Witness by Charles Todd
Vibe: Seasonal Suspense
Perfect for: Fans of the Ian Rutledge series and historical fiction mysteries
Why read it now: This holiday novella is the perfect length for a weekend read. And without spoiling anything, I'll just say there isn't a dead body! You get all the great suspense of a mystery but none of the gruesome details of a murder to bring down the festive mood.
Buy A Christmas Witness at Amazon
A Christmas Corpse by Mona Marple
Vibe: Festive Cozy Mystery
Perfect for: Audiobook listeners will be happy to know that this book was finally published as an audiobook last year. The snowy setting of the North Pole will transport you from the sweltering heat of July - at least for a bit.
Why listen to it now: It's a short, fluffy listen. It delivers that comfortable, delightfully predictable cozy vibe. While there is a murder, it's far from gruesome, and with the sweet romance brewing, you might almost forget there's a body at all!. Read my full review.
Buy A Christmas Corpse at Amazon
The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan
Vibe: Bookish mystery
Perfect for: People who love books about books and mysteries that aren't about dead bodies.
Why read it now: Spectacular snowy setting - do I even need to say more? Plus, if your house is feeling a bit crowded with everyone home for the summer, escape to a vast, crumbling Scottish castle where a priceless hidden book awaits. Read my full review.
Buy The Secret Christmas Library at Amazon
COASTAL CHRISTMAS ESCAPES
Torn between reading another summer beach read and catching up on the Christmas TBR? Pick up one of these coastal Christmas escapes and get the best of both worlds.
Christmas at the Nantucket Restaurant by Pamela Kelley
Vibe: Friends and family gathering in a small town.
Perfect for: Fans of all things Nantucket, family fiction, and light romance.
Why read it now: This is a sweet, slice-of-life women's fiction novel. I liked that there was no angst, just family and friends enjoying the holidays in Nantucket. Read my full review.
Buy Christmas at the Nantucket Restaurant at Amazon
A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber
Vibe: Fun, sweet holiday chaos
Perfect for: If you are looking for the warm, fuzzy feelings of the holidays, then this is the book for you.
Why read it now: Macomber has a new Christmas book coming out in October. Reading this one now will get you even more hyped for her upcoming release! Read my full review.
Buy A Ferry Merry Christmas at Amazon
WINTRY WOMEN'S FICTION
The holidays can be a time of introspection and taking stock of the decisions we've made. Women's fiction is great for those looking for a little more depth in their Christmas reading.
Ten Christmases Without You by Jenny Hale
Vibe: Not a Hallmark Christmas movie
Perfect for: Readers who don't usually like reading Christmas books.
Why read it now: One of the most popular "beach read" genres is women's fiction. You get all the rich character growth and self-reflection of a great summer read, just set against a much chillier backdrop. Read my full review.
Buy Ten Christmases Without You at Amazon
HEARTWARMING HOLIDAY ROMANCES
I'm not typically a romance reader, but I make an exception for Christmas romances. I like mine sweet like a sugar cookie, though sometimes they can be a steamy cup of cocoa.
A Merry Little Lie by Sarah Morgan
Vibe: Chaotic family Christmas with plenty of secrets.
Perfect for: Fans of the fake dating trope and big family holiday gatherings.
Why read it now: Summer is often the time for family reunions, and the holiday chaos of the Balfour family might just make your own summer family gatherings look completely serene by comparison! Read my full review.
Buy A Merry Little Lie at Amazon
A Holly Brown Christmas by Samantha Chase
Vibe: Scrooge meets the female Buddy the Elf
Perfect for: Readers who binge-watch Hallmark holiday movies and fans of workplace romance.
Why read it now: Who doesn't need a little festive pick-me-up every now and then? If you are longing for the magical time that is Christmas, this is the book for you. Read my full review.
Buy A Holly Brown Christmas at Amazon
Christmas People by Iva-Marie Palmer
Vibe: A cute, but steamy story
Perfect for: Fans of magical realism and second-chance romances
Why read it now: Jill finds herself in an alternate reality that is more Hallmark movie than real-life. And the reader will be in an alternate reality of snowy settings and a steamier-than-Hallmark romance. Read my full review.
Buy Christmas People at Amazon
Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.
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