Best Christmas romance books

Reading lists

The best Christmas romance books to fall in love with this winter

The brand new emotional and heartwarming book to read this Christmas!

One December Day

Cosy up with this heartwarming winter love story . . . 
 
'Sensitive, insightful and wonderfully authentic. A beautiful festive love story’ HEIDI SWAIN 
'An utter delight; festive and funny, tender and humorous' READER REVIEW ***** 
'A gently woven love story . . . heartfelt, perceptive and very, very human' JULIETTA HENDERSON'A really great read for a cold winter's day with a hot chocolate' READER REVIEW *****'Relatable and emotional . . . beautifully captures all the romance and magic of Christmas. A festive gem' HOLLY MILLER*****ONE DECEMBER DAY, LAURA MEETS LUKE... 
 
Luke loves Christmas. He loves the woolly scarves, the mulled wine, the music, the snow. But he’s beginning to ask: what good is it, if you have no one to share it with? 
 
Laura doesn’t think there’s anything magical about December. She’d never normally be seen dead with a man in a Christmas jumper. But, at a crowded gig this winter's evening, has she found her soulmate in handsome, funny frontman, Luke? 
 
Under the lights, something magical begins. But will Luke and Laura still feel the same on this day next December? And the one after that? 
 
Finding love at Christmas is special. But is staying in love - year after year, through the joy and heartbreak - the real miracle? 
 
Luke and Laura are about to find out. One December day at a time...Praise for Rachel Marks: 
'A total delight. Beautifully observed, painfully funny and profoundly moving, it's a wise and wonderful story of hope and love. I adored it!' MIRANDA DICKINSON 
'A delightful, heart-warming read. The characters feel so real... I'm sure I must know them somehow!' SOPHIE COUSENS 
'Rachel Marks packs a novel with all the emotions - hope, fear, love, despair and - ultimately - joy' CLARE POOLEY 
'Unpredictable and satisfying' HEIDI SWAIN 
'As tender and emotional as it is funny, it made me laugh out loud A LOT, and it made me sob' CRESSIDA McLAUGHLIN 
'Heartbreaking, heartwarming, perfect!' ROSIE GOODWIN

Sensitive, insightful and wonderfully authentic. A beautiful festive love story

Sunday Times bestseller Heidi Swain

An enchanting festive love story woven through with wintery magic

A relatable and emotional depiction of true love, real life and heartbreak, which beautifully captures all the romance and magic of Christmas. Moving and poignant - a festive gem

Holly Miller, author of The Sight of You

A gently woven love story imbued with Rachel Marks' signature warmth and honesty. Heartfelt, perceptive and very, very human

Julietta Henderson, author of The Funny Thing about Norman Forman

A truly adorable read that will, at various points, make you both laugh and cry. Told over a period of more than a decade – and seen through the eyes of both Laura and Luke – it’s cleverly written with the festive season at the catalyst. A story that weaves its own magic so beautifully!

Lucy Coleman, author of Summer at Green Valley

An emotional contemporary romance that pulls at the heartstrings

A book to cancel plans for - we're still not over the ending

Heartwarming . . . Lovely and thought-provoking

A total delight. Beautifully observed, painfully funny and profoundly moving

Rachel Marks studied English at Exeter University before becoming a primary school teacher. Despite always loving to write, it wasn't until she gained a place on the 2016 Curtis Brown Creative online novel writing course that she started to believe it could be anything more than a much-loved hobby. She lives in Gloucestershire with her husband and their three children. Hello Stranger is her third novel.

When Laura and Luke fall in love one December, it's like all their Christmasses have come at once. She's got the world at her feet; he's the gorgeous frontman of a band. And they're completely smitten. 
 
A year later, we meet Luke and Laura again, just in time to see them welcoming the most magical gift of all: baby Dylan. 
 
Twelve months later, they're in the Maldives - celebrating Christmas in style. But another year on, things look rocky as Luke's fame is taking its toll. Next Christmas, their relationship goes up in flames. 
 
This December, can Luke finally win Laura back - and prove that love isn't just for Christmas?

The unforgettable and feel-good new novel that will make you laugh and cry

Until Next Weekend

THE UNFORGETTABLE AND FEEL-GOOD NEW NOVEL THAT WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH AND CRY, FROM THE AUTHOR OF SATURDAYS AT NOON 
 
'Wise and wonderful. I adored it!' MIRANDA DICKINSON 
'Heartbreaking, heartwarming, perfect!' ROSIE GOODWIN 
'You find yourself laughing and crying in equal measure' 5***** Reader Review 
'The characters feel so real' SOPHIE COUSENS 
_______ 
 
NOAH AND KATE WERE MEANT TO BE TOGETHER FOREVER. 
 
Married with two gorgeous sons, it looked like they'd got their happy ever after. 
 
But marriage isn't easy. And one day, Kate left, taking their two boys with her. 
 
These days, Noah is a weekend dad - and it breaks his heart. He misses the chaotic mealtimes, the bedtime stories, the early mornings and the late homework. 
 
Suddenly, he decides enough is enough - he has to win his family back. Starting with Kate. 
 
The only problem? 
 
IN SIX WEEKS' TIME, KATE IS GETTING MARRIED TO SOMEONE ELSE . . . 
_______ 
 
'Poignant, compelling' WOMAN &amp; HOME 'BOOK OF THE MONTH' 
 
'A delight . . . We all need this book' 5***** Reader Review 
 
'Marks' lightness of touch - and authentic dialogue - propel you forward, as will the characters . . . Rachel Marks is a name to watch' Woman &amp; Home, 'BEST BOOKS 2021' 
 
'I raced through it with my heart in my mouth' 5***** Reader Review 
 
'Within a few pages I was totally invested. Rachel Marks packs a novel with all the emotions' CLARE POOLEY 
 
'Unpredictable and satisfying' HEIDI SWAIN 
 
Readers are falling in love with Until Next Weekend 
 
'All of the heart of the old Tony Parsons novels and up amongst Mike Gayle's best' 5***** READER REVIEW 
 
'A book of hope. Unforgettable' 5***** READER REVIEW 
 
'I was in tears. I wholeheartedly recommend this to all' 5***** READER REVIEW 
 
'It made me cry, it gave me hope' 5***** READER REVIEW

Until Next Weekend is a total delight. Beautifully observed, painfully funny and profoundly moving, it's a wise and wonderful story of hope and love. I adored it!

Miranda Dickinson, Sunday Times bestselling author

A delightful, heart-warming read - a reminder that we all get a second act in life. The characters feel so real... I'm sure I must know them somehow!

Sophie Cousens, author of the New York Times bestseller This Time Next Year

Within a few pages I was totally invested in Noah and his relationships. I laughed with him, cried for him and cheered him every step of the way. Rachel Marks packs a novel with all the emotions - hope, fear, love, despair and - ultimately - joy

Clare Pooley, bestselling author of The Authenticity Project

Heidi Swain, Sunday Times bestselling author

As tender and emotional as it is funny, it made me laugh out loud A LOT, and it made me sob. If you want characters to fall in love with, to have all your heartstrings tugged, and to feel fully uplifted, then Until Next Weekend is for you

Heartbreaking, heartwarming, perfect!

Rosie Goodwin, Sunday Times bestselling author

Beautifully uplifting and at times unexpected

I've just raced through this book! The gripping, emotional story of a man trying to rescue his life. Gorgeous characters &amp; serious themes but written with a very light touch. Highly recommended

Sophie Claire, author of A Forget Me Not Summer

A real page-turner . . . compelling. Her lightness of touch - and authentic dialogue - propels you forward

I raced through this warm, delightful read about stepping up to the challenges of being a bona fide grown up in a complicated world. Full of joy and hope and perfect for now

Fiona Gibson, author of When Life Gives You Lemons

Wonderful ... compassionate and unpredictable

Graeme Simsion, author of The Rosie Project

A sweet and moving tale about second chances

I loved this original, at times painful but truly thought-provoking book. A triumph

Sometimes a book comes along and really does make you think... This engaging read is both heart-breaking and full of hope

Heartbreaking and hopeful; this book is a keeper

A heartbreaking, funny and emotive read

Marks' lightness of touch - and authentic dialogue - propel you forward, as will the characters . . . Rachel Marks is a name to watch

Poignant, compelling . . . Marks' lightness of touch and authentic dialogue propel you forward

Noah and Kate were meant to be together forever. 
 
Married with two gorgeous sons, it looked like they'd got their happy ever after. 
 
But marriage isn't easy. And one day, Kate left, taking their two boys with her. 
 
These days, Noah is a weekend dad - and it breaks his heart. He misses the chaotic meal-times, the bedtime stories, the early mornings and the late homework. 
 
Suddenly, he decides enough is enough - he has to win his family back. Starting with Kate. 
 
The only problem? 
 
In six weeks' time, Kate is getting married to someone else...

An uplifting, emotional and unpredictable page-turner to make you smile

Saturdays at Noon

'Heart-breaking and full of hope' WOMAN &amp; HOME 
'Wonderful, compassionate, unpredictable' GRAEME SIMSION, author of THE ROSIE PROJECT 
'I genuinely couldn't recommend Saturdays At Noon enough' 5***** READER REVIEW 
________ 
 
EMILY JUST WANTS TO KEEP THE WORLD AWAY. 
 
After getting into trouble yet again, she's agreed to attend anger management classes. But she refuses to share her deepest secrets with a room full of strangers. 
 
JAKE JUST WANTS TO KEEP HIS FAMILY TOGETHER. 
 
He'll do anything to save his marriage and bond with his six-year-old son, Alfie. But when he's paired with spiky Emily, he wonders whether opening up will do more harm than good. 
 
The two of them couldn't be more different. Yet when Alfie, who never likes strangers, meets Emily, something extraordinary happens. 
 
COULD ONE SMALL BOY CHANGE EVERYTHING? 
_________ 
 
'Totally loveable and completely unforgettable' CLAIRE POOLEY 
 
'I loved this book' KATIE FFORDE 
 
Readers LOVE Saturdays at Noon . . . 
 
'Such a special book . . . the characters jump off the page and pull you immediately into their world' 5***** Reader Review 
 
'This book was FANTASTIC. When I wasn't reading it I couldn't stop thinking about it' 5***** Reader Review 
 
'Outstanding. I have goosebumps typing this review . . . The story telling is the best I have read in a long time' 5***** Reader Review 
 
Longlisted for the Guardian's 'Not The Booker' prize!

Wonderful . . . compassionate and unpredictable

Oh how I loved this book [...] complex, imperfect, totally loveable and completely unforgettable

I loved this original, at times painful but truly thought-provoking book. A triumph

Sunday Times bestselling author Katie Fforde

Sometimes a book comes along and really does make you think... This engaging read is both heart-breaking and full of hope

Touching, beautifully compassionate and warm; this is a lovely book, sometimes heart-wrenching, sometimes funny. Perfect to curl up with and well worth a read

Clever and engaging read. Heartbreaking and hopeful, this book is a keeper

Saturdays at Noon is one of those rare books that make you see the world in a different way... This is a satisfying, big-hearted book and a truly accomplished debut for Rachel Marks

A sweet tale about second chances. Moving

It's a beautiful love story, but not the one that you'd expect. Wonderful, hopeful and insightful. This book is an absolute gem and you'll find yourself willing Emily to get her happy ending

An engaging read that shows how people, and children, can be misunderstood

Beautifully written. When I decided to read Saturdays at Noon I had no idea that not only would it very likely be one of my books of the year but it would also rock my world. A stunning and perfect read in every way.

Funny, sharp, insightful and completely heart-rending

Beth Morrey, bestselling author of Saving Missy

Emily just wants to keep the world away. 
After getting into trouble yet again, she's agreed to attend anger management classes. But she refuses to share her deepest secrets with a room full of strangers. 
 
Jake just wants to keep his family together. 
He'll do anything to save his marrriage and bond with his six-year-old son, Alfie. But when he's paired with spiky Emily, he wonders whether opening up will do more harm than good. 
 
The two of them couldn't be more different. Yet when Alfie, who never likes strangers, meets Emily, something extraordinary happens. 
 
Could one small boy change everything?

Rachel Marks

Clever, poignant, and satisfying

Sunday Times bestseller Katie Fforde

Oh boy did I love Hello, Stranger, a moving and surprising love story

Gillian McAllister, Sunday Times bestselling author of Wrong Place, Wrong TIme

Poignant, profound and yet written with a light touch - Marks has done it again. The story engages from the off . . . This is a heartbreaking and heart-warming story

An eminently real and relatable love story about the tussle between head, heart and the costs of holding on to your own truth. Rachel Marks has perfectly captured the pleasure, pain and poignancy of being human - Lucy and Jamie had me at Hello...

Julietta Henderson, author of Richard and Judy pick The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman

Heart-warming . . . Lovely and thought-provoking

A heartbreaking and heartwarming read that deals sensitively with difficult issues

A modern love story that's heartbreakingly tender &amp; poignant. It kept me guessing &amp; hoping until the last page. A fabulous read

Sophie Claire, author of A Winter’s Dream

Rachel Marks packs a novel with all the emotions - hope, fear, love, despair and - ultimately - joy

Heartbreaking, heartwarming, perfect

Heartbreaking and hopeful; this book is a keeper

Beautifully uplifting and at times unexpected

As tender and emotional as it is funny, it made me laugh out loud A LOT, and it made me sob

Cressida McLaughlin, bestselling author of The Cornish Cream Tea Bus

Heartbreaking, funny and emotive

From their very first date, Jamie and Lucy know they've met THE ONE. 
They're as different as night and day. Jamie's a home bird, while Lucy's happiest on holiday. He has a place for everything - she can never find her keys. Yet, somehow, they make each other happier than they ever thought possible. 
So why does this story start with them saying 'goodbye'? 
And does this really have to be the end. . . ?

Rachel Marks

Praise for Hello, Stranger

Clever, poignant, and satisfying

Oh boy did I love Hello, Stranger, a moving and surprising love story

Poignant, profound and yet written with a light touch - Marks has done it again. The story engages from the off . . . This is a heartbreaking and heart-warming story

Clever, poignant, and satisfying

Oh boy did I love Hello, Stranger, a moving and surprising love story

Poignant, profound and yet written with a light touch - Marks has done it again. The story engages from the off . . . This is a heartbreaking and heart-warming story

Clever, poignant, and satisfying

Oh boy did I love Hello, Stranger, a moving and surprising love story

Poignant, profound and yet written with a light touch - Marks has done it again. The story engages from the off . . . This is a heartbreaking and heart-warming story

Books by Rachel Marks

Articles featuring Rachel Marks

The best Christmas romance books to fall in love with this winter

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