In my world, Christmas reading season starts in October, when the year’s new releases start publishing. Every year, the new Christmas books I want to read outnumber the books I’m able to read, and the list grows and grows. This year, I’ve decided to be a bit more organized in my approach – and, of course, I’m going to share the reading journey with you all.

In this first post, I’ll tell you about the new releases I’m looking forward to, as well as the backlist titles I’m hoping to finally get around to reading. In the weeks to come, expect monthly check-ins (separate from Reading Recap posts) on Christmas-specific reading, as well as posts spotlighting backlist titles I’ve read and enjoyed in years past {for those who want to avoid a long hold list at their library and/or want to try and find bargains}. I might even do a feature on children’s books, because kiddie Christmas books are adorable {plus they make great decorations}.

2023 Releases:
Bright Lights, Big Christmas (Mary Kay Andrews)
A December to Remember (Jenny Bayliss)
Three Holidays and a Wedding (Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Stapley)
A Winter in New York (Josie Silver)
Love in Winter Wonderland (Abiolo Bella)
Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop (Jenny Colgan)

Backlist Titles:
The Mistletoe Pact (Jo Lovett)
So This is Christmas (Jenny Holiday)
Once Upon a December (Amy E. Reichert)
I’m Dreaming of a Wyatt Christmas (Tiffany Schmidt)
The Holiday Swap (Maggie Knox)
Just Like Magic (Sarah Hogle)
All I Want for Christmas (Maggie Knox)

Chances are, I will not be able to read all of these books in the next few months. Perhaps if I only read Christmas books, but there are too many other titles calling to me {and I like mixing it up too, keeps the festive flavor fresher}. However, these all found a place on my 2023 list. There are obviously a lot more Christmas books releasing this year than the 7 I’ve included, and many of them are intriguing – they just didn’t make the cut as I started narrowing my selection.

If you’d like to join the fun at any time, I’ve got blank slides saved to my Story Highlights on Instagram, for you to share your Christmas TBR or post reviews/progress as you knock out your festive reading. {Don’t forget to tag @theFarmWifeReads #TheFarmWifeReadsChristmas if you post!}. Or you’re more than welcome to comment along on posts as they appear on the blog.

When do you start reading holiday books? Do you make a list of books you want to read, or do you let the covers/inspiration lead you as you go?

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