The Top Rated Christmas Romance Books

What are the Top Rated Christmas Romance Books? Which Christmas Romance novels are the highest rated by avid romance readers? I have done the research, crunched the numbers, and I am here to reveal all!

Top Rated Best Christmas Books to Read This Holiday Season: a snow globe on a red background

What are the Top Rated Christmas Romance Books?

Um, here’s the awkward truth about Christmas romances: many of them have really low ratings. Are they too jolly? Too merry? Are reviewers feeling like Scrooge?

My criteria: each book must have a 3.75 rating or higher on Goodreads. Here’s the list!


The cover of a Merry Little Lie, which shows a house opening like a box and small figures suspended above it

A Merry Little Lie by Sarah Morgan (Harlequin)

  • In Northern England, the members of the Balfour family prepare to celebrate Christmas
  • Mom Jenny is concerned that her newly retired husband is depressed
  • Married daughter Rosie worries that her marriage is fraying
  • Son Jamie has a secret
  • Single daughter Becky is forced to share a ride with someone she dislikes. Or does she?
  • If you like a women’s fiction feel, a lot of family chaos, and minimal spice, this is the book for you.
  • Goodreads Rating: 3.96
  • Release Date: October 7, 2025. Thanks to Harlequin for the advance reader copy!

An illustration of a dark haired man embracing a blond woman with poinsettias and snowflakes around them

Good Spirits by B.K. Borison (Avon)

  • A lonely woman who runs an antique store is suddenly haunted by Nolan, an Irish ghost
  • Nolan has no idea why he was assigned to Harriet and even more confused when he starts exploring his own past.
  • Is there a connection between them?
  • Can this relationship work?
  • Goodreads rating: 3.97
  • Release Date: October 21, 2025. Thanks to Avon and Libro.fm for the advance listening copy.


An illustration of a couple on a couch from behind watching a screen with a dog curled up in front of them

Grace and Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman (Ballantine)

  • After the tragic death of her husband, Grace is now a single mom to two kids.
  • Henry’s wife perished in a plane crash.
  • They become friends, watching and discussing movies together over the course of a year.
  • But could this friendship be more?
  • Goodreads Rating: 4.26
  • Release Date: October 14, 2025. Thanks to Ballantine for the advance readers copy!

The cover of A Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk. The cover was an illustration of a man in a kilt and a woman in a red sweater and jeans

christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk (Harper Collins)

  • a 90s/00s style rom com with fake dating and fun hijinks
  • A smart and ambitious main character training to be a doctor
  • Scotland! Kilts are worn
  • Two hilarious best friends to add snark and sass
  • Family dynamics and small town vibes
  • Goodreads rating: 3.95
  • Release date October 14, 2025. Thanks to Harper Collins for the advance copy

Cover of a Little Holiday Fling, which shows a couple walking down a charming street during winter

A Little Holiday Fling by Farah Heron (Forever Books)

  • Grumpy sunshine Christmas romance
  • Cranky hotelier meets a Christmas fanatic
  • Will she move to the UK to realize her dream?
  • Goodreads rating: 3.76
  • Release date: October 21, 2025 by Forever Books.

New Christmas Romance My Favorite Holiday

My Favorite HolidaTE by Lauren Blakley (Atria)

  • When your single dad billionaire boss agrees to be your pretend boyfriend
  • Set at a Christmas wedding
  • Week-long Christmas competition
  • Open door spicy Christmas romance
  • Goodreads Rating: 3.87
  • Release Date: October 7, 2025. Thanks to Atria books for the advance copy

the cover of Anne of Avenue A shows an illustration two people walking in the snow
  • A modern-day retelling of Persuasion by Jane Austen set in New York’s East Village
  • Part of the For the Love of Austen series BUT these are standalones. Though some characters from the first two books make a quick cameo in this one
  • A sweet second chance at love story
  • Themes of family pressure and wistful regret
  • Goodreads Rating 3.82
  • Thanks to Gallery Books for the advance copy! Release date: October 28, 2025

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