Readers who love historical romance will love this book list of the best Christmas historical romance novels to read this holiday.
Historical romance novels are a favorite of mine to read at any time of year, but there’s just something to be said for reading one during the holidays that puts an even bigger smile on my face.
I love escaping back in time into a Regency romance or Highland romance but a historical romance novel set at Christmas time is the perfect mix!
Many popular historical romance authors have written a Christmas historical romance novel or novella to add to their repertoire or book series and I’ve included them in my book list below.
Often times historical romance authors will also join forces to create Christmas historical romance anthologies.
These book compilations include several Christmas historical romance novels or historical romance novellas in one book, all with a holiday theme.
If you’re looking to escape into a Christmas historical romance novel this holiday season, you can’t go wrong with one of the book recommendations below. I’m hoping one or all will my make my list of best christmas romance books this year.
*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Best Christmas Historical Romance Novels to Read this Season:
A Wallflower Christmas
by Lisa Kleypas
A Christmas Historical Romance Novel Set in Victorian London
It’s Christmas time in London and Rafe Bowman has arrived from America for his arranged meeting with Natalie Blandford. Before courting the lady-in-waiting he realizes he must learn the rules of London society and put aside his shocking American ways.
But winning a bride turns out to be more complicated than he imagined, especially when four former Wallflowers try their hand at matchmaking.
Amazon | Goodreads
Someone to Trust
by Mary Balogh
A Christmas Historical Romance Novel Featuring a Widow and a Younger Man
After her husband’s passing, Elizabeth Overfield decides that she must enter into another suitable marriage. That, however, is the last thing on her mind when she meets Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, at the Westcott Christmas house party.
She simply enjoys his company though both are surprised when their sled topples them into a snowbank and they end up sharing an unexpected kiss.
They know there is no question of any relationship between them, for she is nine years older but when their attraction blazes just as hot the following season, they must decide what they will sacrifice for love.
Amazon | Goodreads
The Present
by Johanna Lindsey
A Christmas Historical Romance Novel with a Mystery to the Past
As the entire Malory family gathers at Haverston to celebrate the season, a mysterious present arrives anonymously.
The gift is an old journal accounting the love affair between the second Marquis, Christopher Malory, and a dark gypsy beauty named Anastasia, who seeks a love match with a non-gypsy in order to save herself from a prearranged marriage to a brute.
In the miraculous blossoming of a glorious romance at a long ago Christmastime, there are wise and well-learned lessons that will enrich the hearts of the Malory descendants — and, indeed, of everyone who has ever dreamed.
Amazon | Goodreads
An Affair Before Christmas
by Eloise James
A Christmas Historical Romance Novel Featuring a Rekindled Romance
One spectacular Christmas, Lady Perdita Selby met the man she thought she would love forever. The devilishly attractive Duke of Fletcher was the perfect match for the innocent, breathtakingly beautiful young Englishwoman, and theirs was the most romantic wedding she had ever seen.
Four years later, Poppy and the duke have become the toast of the ton… but behind closed doors the spark of their love affair has burned out.
Unwilling to lose the woman he still lusts after, the duke is determined to win back his beguiling bride’s delectable affections…and surpass the heady days of first love with a truly sinful seduction.
Amazon | Goodreads
The Lady Most Willing…
by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Connie Brockway
A Christmas Historical Romance Novel Written in 3 Parts by 3 Authors
During their annual Christmas pilgrimage to Scotland to visit their aged uncle in his decrepit castle, the Comte de Rocheforte and his cousin, Earl of Oakley, are presented with unique gifts: their uncle has raided an English lord’s Christmas party and kidnapped four lovely would-be brides for his heirs to choose from . . . as well as one very angry duke, Lord Bretton.
As snow isolates the castle, and as hours grow into days, the most honorable intentions give away to temptations as surprising as they are irresistible.
Amazon | Goodreads
A Christmas Promise
by Mary Balogh
A Holiday Historical Romance Novel Featuring an Arranged Marriage Turned More
Weddings are supposed to be joyous occasions—especially when a couple seems as well matched as Randolph Pierce, Earl of Falloden, and his bride-to-be, Eleanor Transome.
Ellie brings to the marriage a vast dowry, while Falloden, though distant, is handsome, tremendously desirable, and possessed of a title most young ladies can only dream of sharing.
Yet Ellie is not most young ladies. She knows that she must honor her dear father’s dying wish for her to wed the proud earl, but she dreads a lifetime in a union without love—and how can Falloden claim to love her when he married her only for her fortune?
As Christmas descends upon the Falloden manor, the warmth of the season may yet melt away the trappings of duty and wealth, leaving behind only a man and a woman destined for each other’s arms.
Amazon | Goodreads
Home for the Holidays
by Johanna Lindsey
An Enemies to Lovers Christmas Historical Romance Novel
Left to handle the rumors of her family’s bankruptcy and impending eviction, Larissa Ascot’s wishes for a merry Christmas seem to be in peril for the first time in her sheltered life.
A charming would-be “benefactor,” Vincent Everett, the Baron of Windsmoor, has offered to shelter Larissa and her young brother. But more than Yuletide spirit seems to have inspired the baron’s generosity.
From the moment he first set eyes on Larissa, the highborn rogue was bewitched. And now that she has taken up residence in his home, he aches with wanting her -a most unfortunate state of affairs, since the proud beauty obviously despises him … and since Vincent has sworn to seek a righteous vengeance on the Ascot family.
Amazon | Goodreads
Once Upon a Winter’s Eve
by Tessa Dare
A Christmas Historical Romance Novel Where Love Speaks More Than Words
Violet Winterbottom is a quiet girl. She speaks six languages, but seldom raises her voice. She endured bitter heartbreak in perfect silence. The gentlemen aren’t beating down her door.
Until the night of the Spindle Cove Christmas ball, when a mysterious stranger, speaking in an unfamiliar tongue, crashes into the ballroom and collapses at Violet’s feet. Only Violet understands him. And she knows he’s not what he seems.
She has one night to draw forth the secrets of this dangerously handsome rogue, but her captive would rather seduce than confess. To learn his secrets, Violet must reveal hers—and open herself to adventure, passion, and the unthinkable… Love.
Amazon | Goodreads
A Kiss for Midwinter
by Courtney Milan
A Christmas Historical Romance Featuring a Determined Suitor
Miss Lydia Charingford is always cheerful, and never more so than at Christmas time. But no matter how hard she smiles, she can’t forget the youthful mistake that could have ruined her reputation.
Even though the worst of her indiscretion was kept secret, one other person knows the truth of those dark days: the sarcastic Doctor Jonas Grantham.
She wants nothing to do with him…or the butterflies that take flight in her stomach every time he looks her way.
Jonas Grantham has a secret, too: He’s been in love with Lydia for more than a year. This winter, he’s determined to conquer her dislike and win her for his own. It all starts with a wager and a kiss.
Amazon | Goodreads
Once Upon a Christmas Eve
by Elizabeth Hoyt
An Opposites Attract, Christmas Historical Romance Novel
Adam Rutledge, Viscount d’Arque, really rather loathes Christmas, especially the obligatory trip to the countryside. His grandmother, however, loves the holiday – and Adam loves his grandmother, so he’ll brave the fiercest snowstorm to please her.
But when their carriage wheel snaps, they’re forced to seek shelter at the home of the most maddening, infuriating, and utterly beguiling woman he’s ever met.
Sarah St. John really rather loathes rakes. The self-satisfied smirks. The sly predatory gazes. Oh, and the constant witty banter rife with double meaning. But in the spirit of the season, she’ll welcome this admittedly handsome viscount into her home.
But as the snowstorm rages, the Yule log crackles, and the tension rises, Sarah and Adam find themselves locked in a fiery, passionate kiss. If love is the true meaning of Christmas, it’s the one gift this mismatched pair can’t wait to unwrap.
Amazon | Goodreads
A Holiday By Gaslight
by Mimi Matthews
A Holiday Historical Romance Novel Between Opposites
Sophie Appersett is quite willing to marry outside of her class to ensure the survival of her family. But the darkly handsome Mr. Edward Sharpe is no run-of-the-mill London merchant.
He’s a man of little emotion—or perhaps no emotion at all. After two months of courtship, she’s ready to put an end to things.
But severing ties with her taciturn suitor isn’t as straightforward as Sophie envisioned. Her parents are outraged so she invites Mr. Sharpe to Appersett House for Christmas to give him one last chance to win her.
Only this time there’ll be no false formality. This time they’ll get to know each other for who they really are.
Amazon | Goodreads
Historical Romance Novel Christmas Anthologies
A Yuletide Kiss
by Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries, and Mary Jo Putney
3 Holiday Historical Romances Featuring Stranded Travelers at a Country Inn
An Unexpected Christmas Gift by Madeline Hunter
Jenna Waverly has closed her inn, anticipating a blissfully quiet Christmas, until a snowstorm brings the first of several strangers to her property.
Lucas Avonwood, as charming as he is secretive, is on a mission to track down a scoundrel, but the inn’s lovely owner is giving him a more compelling reason to stay.
When We Finally Kiss Good-Night by Sabrina Jeffries
When Flora Younger first met Konrad Juncker, she thought she’d found her match, only to have her hopes dashed. Konrad is now a famous playwright whose plays Flora has secretly panned in reviews.
But a chance meeting in a secluded inn may help them rewrite this star-crossed romance.
When Strangers Meet by Mary Jo Putney
Kate McLeod is shocked to find that a fellow guest in the snowbound inn is the dashing sea captain who may or may not be her husband.
Captain Ramesh Langdon barely remembers that night in Bombay, but the desire they discover now will be impossible to forget, or to ignore.
Amazon | Goodreads
Mistletoe Christmas: An Anthology
by Eloisa James
Four Christmas Historical Romance Stories Set at a House Party
The Duke of Greystoke’s Christmas Revelry is famous throughout the British Isles for its plays, dancing, magical grotto… not to mention scandals leading to the marriage licenses he hands out like confetti. But not everyone welcomes a visit from Cupid.
Lady Cressida, the duke’s daughter, is too busy managing the entertainments—and besides, her own father has called her dowdy. Her cousin, Lady Isabelle Wilkshire, is directing Cinderella and has no interest in marriage.
Lady Caroline Whitmore is already (unhappily) married; the fact that she and her estranged husband have to pretend to be together just makes her dread the party all the more.
But not as much as Miss Louisa Harcourt, whose mother bluntly tells her that this is her last chance to escape the horrors of being an old maid.
Amazon | Goodreads
How the Dukes Stole Christmas
A Compilation of 4 Historical Christmas Romance Novellas
Meet Me in Mayfair by Tessa Dare
Louisa Ward needs a Christmas miracle. Unless she catches a wealthy husband at the ball tonight, the horrid, heartless Duke of Thorndale will evict her family from their beloved Mayfair home.
But when her friend begs to switch dance cards, Louisa finds herself waltzing with the enemy: the horrid, heartless–and unexpectedly handsome–Thorndale himself. Now the duke’s holding her future in his hands…and he’s not letting go.
The Duke of Christmas Present by Sarah MacLean
Rich and ruthless, Eben, Duke of Allryd, has no time for holidays. Holidays are for whimsy and charm–the only two things his money cannot buy.
Lady Jacqueline Mosby is full of both, even now, twelve years after she left to see the world. When Jacqueline returns for a single Christmas, Eben can’t resist the woman he never stopped loving…or the future that had once been in reach. It will take a miracle to convince her to stay…but if ever there were a time for miracles, it’s Christmas…
Heiress Alone by Sophie Jordan
When Annis Bannister’s family leaves her behind in the rush to escape an impending snowstorm, she finds herself stranded in the Highlands, left to fend off brigands terrorizing the countryside, robbing homes locked up for winter.
Her only hope falls on her neighbor, a surly hermit duke who unravels her with a look, then a kiss … until she fears the danger to her heart outweighs the danger of brigands and snowstorms.
Christmas in Central Park by Joanna Shupe
Women all over America devour Mrs. Walker’s weekly column for recipes and advice. No one knows Rose, the column’s author, can’t even boil water.
When the paper’s owner, Duke Havemeyer, insists she host a Christmas party, Rose must scramble to find a husband, an empty mansion, and a cook.
But Duke is not a man easily fooled and she fears her perfect plan is failing–especially when Duke’s attentions make her feel anything but professional. To save her career will she give up her chance at love?
Amazon | Goodreads
Kissing Under the Mistletoe
by Suzanne Enoch, Amelia Grey, and Anna Bennett
3 Historical Romance Christmas Novellas Set in the Scottish Highlands and London
Great Scot by Suzanne Enoch
Jane Bansil knows she will never have a fairy-tale life. But even at three-and-thirty and well past marriageable age, though, she has to admit that the architect the MacTaggerts have hired could turn even a confirmed spinster’s head.
Christmas at Dewberry Hollow by Amelia Grey
Isabelle Reed has no plans to ever fall in love. Certainly not with Gate, a man who doesn’t live in Dewberry Hollow.
She will fulfill her duty and help him keep his promise to have his ill grandfather back in London in time for Christmas dinner. The last thing Isabelle wants is for Gate to take her heart with him when he goes.
My Mistletoe Beau by Anna Bennett
Miss Eva Tiding is determined to cheer her widowed father with the perfect Christmas gift. Even if it means breaking into the home of the rakish earl who swindled Papa out of his pocket watch and pretending to date the earl for the Christmas season.
Amazon | Goodreads
12 Rogues of Christmas
A Compilation of 12 Historical Christmas Romance Novellas (and bonus!) Playing on the Concept of the 12 Days of Christmas.
Married By Christmas – by Isabella Hargreaves
A Partridge and His Family Tree – Joanne Austen Brown
Two Tempted Loves – Ebony McKenna writing as Ebony Oaten
Three French Men – Ava January
Four Calling Cards – Susanne Bellamy
Five Gold Flings – Beverley Oakley
Six Belles Need Saving – Janis Linford
Seven Lords Proposing – Erin Grace
Eight Spinsters Singing – Catherine Bilson
Nine Years A’Yearning – Alison Stuart
Ten Shipwrecked Books – Renée Dahlia
Eleven Christmas Pipers – Pamela Hart
Twelve Drummers Coming – Heidi Wessman Kneale
Amazon | Goodreads
Old West Christmas Brides
Historical Christmas Romance Novels Filled with the Spirit of the Old West
A Pony Express Christmas by Margaret Brownley
Stranded alone in Nebraska Territory in 1882 with a broken wagon and two stubborn mules, Ellie-Mae Myers has no way to continue searching for her twin brother along the deserted Pony Express route or of returning home to Kentucky.
Could a man on the verge of being hanged be the answer to her prayers?
A Wife in Name Only by Rosey Dow
Katherine Priestly seeks a job to help support her mother and brother. A local ranch seeks a cook, but by 1884 standards, the owner, Brett Masten, will only hire a married woman to work among his men.
Desperate, Catherine claims she is a married woman at the tender age of eighteen. Will her charade become a barrier to true love and send her home without enough money to buy Christmas presents?
Lucy Ames, Sharpshooter by Darlene Franklin
Lucy Ames’ dreams come true when her sharp shooting makes her the star act of Major Paulson’s Wild West Show in 1891.
Gordon Paulson is traveling with his parents for one last season before accepting a teaching position at West Texas Christian College. As Lucy’s and Gordon’s love for each other grows, will God weave their gifts and dreams into a single calling?
A Badlands Christmas by Marcia Gruver
Noela Nancarrow and her pampered sister have been dragged into the Badlands by their adventurous father to live penniless in a sod house in 1885.
When a local rancher invites Noela to a lavish Christmas party, will her holiday spirit return or will she learn a lesson far greater from the experience?
Unexpected Blessings by Vickie McDonough
Anna Campbell sets out to deliver two small orphans to their uncle in Texas during December of 1880. Erik Olson knows it’s impossible for those cute little pests to be his brother’s and refuses to accept them—regardless of Anna’s persistence.
Little do they know that behind the scenes, Erik’s Uncle Lars and his buddies are doing a little matchmaking, hoping to give the children a father and a mother.
A Grand County Christmas by Debra Ullrick
In 1883, Awnya O’Crean is on the brink of starvation and homeless in the Colorado Mountains. When she goes hunting for food, God places her in the path of Amadeus Josef.
Will Christmas with the Josef family teach Awnya how God works in mysterious ways?
Amazon | Goodreads
Do you have a favorite historical romance you like to read during the holidays? Share in the comments below!
Looking for More?
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