There’s something about holiday reading that makes me want to abandon my regular TBR pile and disappear into a good Christmas story. Give me a snowy setting, a little romance, complicated families, or even a holiday murder mystery, and I’m happy.

This year, I’ve put together my very first holiday book collection at Erin’s Bookshelf, and I’m so excited to share it!

I wanted this collection to offer more than just Christmas romances. My favorite thing about curating books is finding stories for different kinds of readers. Some people want a predictable, feel-good holiday escape. Others want something funny, a little spicy, suspenseful, or genuinely moving.

So I chose a little of everything: bestselling authors, exciting new releases, longtime reader favorites, and a few quieter stories that capture what the holidays can really mean.

My Holiday Reading Picks for 2026

Here are the 13 books I’ve chosen, starting with some of this season’s most anticipated releases and popular reader favorites.

1. A Married Little Christmas by Abby Jimenez⁠

   Abby Jimenez has become one of the biggest names in contemporary romance, so her October 20 release was an obvious choice. This collection of three holiday novellas promises her signature humor, heart, and swoon-worthy moments, plus recipes and illustrations. I’m expecting this one to be especially popular!

2. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder by Ally Carter

   One of the newest holiday releases, and such a fun premise! Childhood rivals, a missing billionaire’s heir, a possible murder, and a snowstorm. Carter combines romance and suspense in a way that makes this perfect for anyone who wants Christmas cheer with a little danger.

3. How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn

   Meghan Quinn’s wildly entertaining holiday romance brings together a Christmas-loving town, a holiday-hating neighbor, and an increasingly ridiculous Christmas competition. I chose it for readers who love hilarious banter, enemies-to-lovers chemistry, and a little spice.

4. Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal by Meghan Quinn

   Another Meghan Quinn favorite, this time featuring rival Christmas tree farms, plenty of holiday chaos, and unexpected romance. I wanted both books because readers who fall in love with Quinn’s humor will absolutely want another helping.

5. Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison

   This beloved friends-to-lovers romance has everything I associate with cozy holiday reading: a struggling Christmas tree farm, fake dating, a small town, and characters you want to root for. A wonderful choice for romance readers who prefer something sweet and comforting.

6. The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

   Two rival writers, an English country estate, a missing mystery novelist, and Christmas approaching. This one feels like Knives Out dressed up for the holidays. I love having a cozy mystery option for readers who aren’t necessarily looking for traditional holiday romance.

7. The Plight Before Christmas by Kate Stewart

   A family Christmas getaway becomes considerably more complicated when an unexpected ex arrives. It’s a funny, emotional, spicy second-chance romance. I chose this for readers who enjoy messy relationships, family dynamics, and characters with plenty of history.

8. Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand

   Hilderbrand’s Nantucket novels have a devoted following, and this first book in her Winter series brings her talent for complicated families to Christmas. The Quinn family has enough secrets and drama to fill an entire holiday season. Perfect for readers who love family-centered contemporary fiction.

9. One Day in December by Josie Silver

   A Reese’s Book Club favorite about a chance encounter, missed connections, friendship, and love over the course of ten years. I love including a holiday romance that reaches beyond Christmas itself and offers something more emotional.

10. Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

    This is my selection for readers who prefer literary fiction. Set in Ireland in 1985, it’s a short but powerful story about compassion, moral courage, and the choices we make. Not a lighthearted Christmas book, but a beautiful reminder of what kindness can mean.

11. Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews

    A North Carolina woman travels to New York City to help run her family’s Christmas tree stand. There are charming neighbors, a little romance, and plenty of holiday atmosphere. I especially love its North Carolina connection!

12. The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

    Naturally, I couldn’t put together a holiday collection without a book about a bookstore! Set in snowy Edinburgh, this story follows a woman trying to save a struggling little bookshop. Honestly, how could I resist?

13. The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman

    Four friends create their own Christmas traditions in New York City, building the kind of chosen family that makes the holidays meaningful. I wanted a story that celebrates friendship and belonging, not just romantic love.

Come Shop the Holiday Collection in Charlotte!

I’ll be introducing these books for the very first time at the Uptown Book Fair on Wednesday, October 28, from 6–10 PM at Victoria Yards in Charlotte!

I’m bringing a limited selection of each title, and I would love to help you choose something for your own holiday reading list or find the perfect gift for another reader.

Can’t make it? Visit Erin’s Bookshelf online for updates on the collection. You can also explore my romance books, mysteries and thrillers, bookish gifts, and curated gift bundles.

Whether your perfect holiday read involves mistletoe, murder, or a meaningful story that stays with you, I hope there’s something on my holiday bookshelf you’ll love.

Happy holiday reading! 🩷📚