Christmas and books? It’s a match made in heaven!

The perfect cosy combination

Is there anything more deliciously comforting than curling up with a good book at Christmas? I don’t think so! The tree is twinkling in the corner, the fire is crackling and there’s a mug of something hot and chocolatey within reach (marshmallows absolutely mandatory). Outside, it’s all wind and drizzle (because let’s face it, we rarely get proper snow in the UK) but inside is pure, festive bliss.

You probably won’t be surprised to hear that my idea of the perfect Christmas romance involves a bookshop. A little independent one, of course - the sort with a slightly wonky sign, a bell over the door, and shelves that smell faintly of adventure, old paper, and freshly baked mince pies. And there’s something irresistibly warm and nostalgic about two people finding love amongst the paperbacks and poetry, especially when snow is falling outside.

The magic of the bookshop romance at Christmas

Bookshops are magical all year round, but at Christmas, they seem to come alive. Maybe it’s the twinkle lights strung along the shelves, or the way the world outside feels a bit softer when you’re surrounded by stories. Add a bit of tinsel, a plate of shortbread, and a Christmas meet-cute, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for love.

It inspired me to write a Christmas bookshop romance – The Tanglewood Bookshop and as I was writing my own festive story, full of old books, community spirit, and the odd dose of holiday disaster, I tried to capture that lovely mix of comfort and joy that Christmas brings.

But mine isn’t the only story with a festive book-centred theme! Take a look at these!

🎄A Christmas Bookshop Jenny Colgan

🎄The Christmas Book Club by Sarah Morgan

🎄The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan

🎄The Secret Christmas Bookshop by Cressida McLaughlin

🎄A Bookshop Christmas by Rachel Burton

🎄Christmas at Bronte's Bookshop by Johanna Cogbill

🎄Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea by Eliza J Scott

🎄Winter Nights at the Bay Bookshop by Jessica Redland

🎄Christmas at the Borrow a Bookshop by Kiley Dunbar

🎄Christmas Wishes at the Station Bookshop by Margaret Amatt

Do you know what I love most about festive bookshop romances? That they remind us that the best gifts aren’t always the ones you can wrap. It’s about belonging, kindness, and those little moments that remind us life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.

So if the world feels a bit too loud and your to-do list looks longer than Santa’s nice list, give yourself permission to slow down. Find a cosy nook, light a candle and lose yourself in a story where the snow always falls on cue and the ending is as warm and satisfying as a Christmas pudding with extra brandy sauce.

Do you love a good festive romance? Have you read any Christmas stories set in bookshops lately that stole your heart?

I’d love to hear your recommendations, so pop them in the comments below!

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About the Author

Lilac Mills writes heartwarming romance inspired by life in the Welsh countryside, her love of simple pleasures, and the beauty of everyday moments. She’s the author of over twenty feel-good novels, and also writes as Liz Davies and Etti Summers.

Learn more about Lilac.

Lilac Mills' books