If You Miss Hallmark Christmas Movies, You’ll Love These Books

Longing for the Hallmark Christmas season to come back? We’ve got you covered. Check out these books that give the same festive vibes as a Hallmark movie!

Recommendations Romance
An illustrated Christmas tree with white ornaments and a snowman with a red beanie and scarf. Between them are the book covers for Snowed In and Faking Christmas on a blue background with snowflakes.

On a cold December night, there’s nothing better than snuggling up on the couch with a fluffy blanket and a large cup of hot chocolate in hand to watch the latest Hallmark Christmas movie. There’s something about their cheesy, comforting, feel-good nature that gets us in the Christmas spirit. If you’re missing that holiday joy, and can’t wait until October for Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas to begin, you should indulge in a cozy Christmas romance book! Let’s spotlight a few novels that’ll keep the festive holiday vibes going!

The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julia McKay

In The Holiday Honeymoon Switch, doppelgänger besties Holly and Ivy trade holiday vacations to Hawaii and the Hudson Valley after some unforeseen complications. Little do they know, they’ll both stumble upon love in the most unexpected places. Nothing screams ‘Hallmark movie’ more than a holiday switcheroo, and that’s exactly what this book provides! On top of the delightful romances and festive atmosphere, Holly and Ivy’s bond highlights the importance of supportive friendships! You should check this book out if you love Hallmark’s Sister Swap or Switched for Christmas.

“Loved this perfect little Christmas romance that has all the makings for an easy read with some holiday cheer thrown in!”

Goodreads Review

Snowed In by Catherine Walsh

Megan is apprehensive about returning to her hometown for the holidays after she ran away from the altar, moved to the big city, and was accused of ruining her ex’s life by the townspeople. Christian dreads the pitying glances he’ll get when he comes back home without a partner. The two decide to fake date to make their holidays less miserable, not expecting feelings to get involved. Fake dating and runaway bride tropes call for lots of juicy drama! This book is perfect for fans of Holiday Engagement and Twas the Date Before Christmas.

“Santa should hire Catherine Walsh, because this woman knows how to deliver holiday cheer!”

Goodreads Review

Look Up, Handsome by Jack Strange

Set in a small town, Look Up, Handsome centers on Quinn, a bookshop owner whose primary focus is to save his store from closure, and Noah, a brooding, stranded author with a lot of history with that town. As the days progress, Noah very quickly becomes a distraction Quinn can’t afford, and it’s up to him to juggle saving his shop and falling in love. Angst, fluff, and festivities all tied up in a lovely Christmas romance? Yes, please! If you like Hallmark’s Love You Like Christmas and Welcome to Christmas, you’ll love Look Up, Handsome.

Look Up, Handsome by Jack Strange book cover featuring two men looking at each other. One is holding up a mistletoe between them while the other is opening the door to a shop. The background depicts a small, colorful town, and the title is in red letters at the bottom.
IMAGE VIA AMAZON

“I may have read this in the middle of summer, but the way this book transports you to a whole other world makes Christmas in July perfectly acceptable.”

Goodreads Review

Faking Christmas by Cindy Steel

While on a holiday trip to Vermont, Olive tells her family she’s dating a man named Miles to avoid them setting her up on dates. Little does she know, her work rival, Miles, is staying at the same lodge. The two agree to fake date to get through the week, and well, that doesn’t always go as planned. This book features a delicious enemies-to-lovers plot with all the feel-good winter vibes. This is the perfect read for fans of Hallmark’s Winter Love Story and Hitched for the Holidays.

Faking Christmas by Cindy Steel book cover featuring an illustrated man and woman in winter clothing. They are standing on a snowy driveway of a building that is seen in the background. The letters are in white text at the bottom.
IMAGE VIA AMAZON

“Best Christmas fake dating rom-com ever??? This was so adorably cute. There was banter, depth, kissing, family, Christmas vibes, and sweet confessions of love.”

Goodreads Review

The Holly Dates by Brittainy Cherry

Holly is unlucky with love, which is why she frequents one restaurant in particular with a new man each time. Fed up with Holly’s constant dates, restaurant owner Kai decides to coach her to get her a second date somewhere other than his restaurant. But, as Kai gets to know Holly better and Holly gets to know other men better, Kai’s annoyance towards her begins to transform into something more. This book is a slow-burn romantic comedy with a swoon-worthy ending. You should check this book out if you enjoyed Hallmark’s How to Fall in Love and Christmas in Love.

“What a wonderful Christmas story! Christmas romances always make me so happy, and when I saw Brittainy Cherry was releasing one, I was thrilled. This was such a fun rom-com, but also had the emotion that I love and expect from a Cherry novel.”

Goodreads review

We hope these books will bring a little holiday joy to your life! Don’t forget to tell us what you thought about them on Facebook, Bluesky, Twitter/X, or Instagram!


Looking for more Christmas recommendations? Check out this article!

Searching for more romance books? Browse our Love is in the Air: Contemporary Romance collection on bookshop.org!

FEATURED IMAGE VIA BOOKSTR / LAURA MARINÉ