Best Christmas romance books

Reading lists

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

Maybe Next Christmas

'A Christmas hug of a book' (Fionnuala Kearney), and ‘the perfect festive romance’ (Heidi Swain), from the bestselling author of This Christmas. 
 
'Perfect Christmas read!' 5* Reader review 
'Ideal for anyone craving a cosy, feel-good Christmas romance!' 5* Reader review 
'Like a big cosy hug' 5* Reader review 
'Now THIS is EVERYTHING I wanted from a Christmas book!' 5* Reader review 
 
On Christmas Eve, sweet-natured, obsessively organised hotel manager Bea and over-worked A&E nurse Ollie meet on the flight home to Ireland. They talk, sparks flying, the whole way. But when the plane lands, they wave goodbye, each secretly wondering if they’ll ever meet again. 
 
A few months later, they bump into each other in London. The chance encounter leaves them breathless, til a tiny misunderstanding means that, yet again, they part as strangers. But as the next Christmas draws near, fate, it seems, won’t give up on Bea and Ollie… The only question is, will they listen to what the universe seems telling them? 
 
Christmas Eve was just the beginning. Maybe next Christmas they’ll fall in love? 
 
'I love a romance, and this is one of the best I've read.' The Sun 
 
 
PRAISE FOR EMMA HEATHERINGTON . . . 
 
‘The perfect curl-up story for Christmas, full of sparkle and hope.’ Roisin Meaney 
 
'A proper winter heart-warmer' Heat 
 
'A gorgeous will they/won't they love story, with depth and surprising twists' The Sun 
 
‘Captured my heart. I found myself reading faster and faster to find out how it would end.’ Sue Moorcroft 
 
'Spot on perfect for fans of The Holiday and Love, Actually' Claudia Carroll 
 
'A Christmas hug of a book, which I read in two sittings' Fionnuala Kearney, Irish Times bestseller 
 
'A heart-warming romance' Ulster Herald 
 
'A lovely and heart-warming read' Closer 
 
Emma Heatherington, Irish Times bestseller, December 2023

Emma Heatherington is the Irish Times and international best-selling author of fifteen novels, including UK Number One Ebook THIS CHRISTMAS, as well as Amazon Top 10 and USA Kindle hits THE LEGACY OF LUCY HARTE, ONE MORE DAY, THE PROMISE and SECRETS IN THE SNOW. 
 
 
Her novels are set in Ireland, each exploring life affirming issues combined with heart-warming love stories. Emma's distinctive style, full of poignancy and warmth has developed a loyal and ever-growing fan base.

'A Christmas hug of a book' (Fionnuala Kearney), and ‘the perfect festive romance’ (Heidi Swain), from the bestselling author of This Christmas. 
 
On Christmas Eve, sweet-natured, obsessively organised hotel manager Bea and over-worked A&E nurse Ollie meet on the flight home to Ireland. They talk, sparks flying, the whole way. But when the plane lands, they wave goodbye, each secretly wondering if they’ll ever meet again. 
 
A few months later, they bump into each other in London. The chance encounter leaves them breathless, til a tiny misunderstanding means that, yet again, they part as strangers. But as the next Christmas draws near, fate, it seems, won’t give up on Bea and Ollie… The only question is, will they listen to what the universe seems telling them? 
 
Christmas Eve was just the beginning. Maybe next Christmas they’ll fall in love? 
 
Praise for Emma Heatherington: 
 
‘The perfect curl-up story for Christmas, full of sparkle and hope.’ Roisin Meaney 
 
'A proper winter heart-warmer' Heat 
 
'A gorgeous will they/won't they love story, with depth and surprising twists' The Sun 
 
‘Captured my heart. I found myself reading faster and faster to find out how it would end.’ Sue Moorcroft 
 
'Spot on perfect for fans of The Holiday and Love, Actually' Claudia Carroll 
 
'A Christmas hug of a book, which I read in two sittings' Fionnuala Kearney, Irish Times bestseller 
 
'A heart-warming romance' Ulster Herald 
 
'A lovely and heart-warming read' Closer 
 
Emma Heatherington, Irish Times bestseller, December 2023

This Christmas

Perfect for fans of The Holiday and Love, Actually, discover the heartwarming cozy Christmas romance to curl up with this winter from the bestselling author. 
 
Readers love This Christmas: 
‘A cosy, feel good read.’ 
‘Think The Holiday but so much better. . .’ 
‘A warm cosy winter’s hug in a book’ 
 
 
Two strangers. One double-booked cottage. This Christmas will be one to remember. . . 
 
Rose used to love Christmas - until the year everything changed. She hasn't been home to visit her family for the holidays since. 
 
Charlie is facing his first Christmas alone. It may be the most wonderful time of the year for some, but not for him. Not this year. 
 
In search of comfort and seclusion, Rose escapes to a cottage in rural Donegal to hunker down for the festive season by herself. 
 
But when Charlie opens the door to Seaview Cottage, the two strangers realise that their holiday rental has been double-booked. 
 
They both expected to spend this Christmas alone. But their lives could be changed forever if they agree to spend it together. . . 
 
 
Praise for Emma Heatherington: 
 
‘A delicious page-turner that you’ll devour as quickly as a plate of mince pies’ Woman & Home 
 
'A Christmas hug of a book, which I read in two sittings. Days later, I am still thinking of Rose and Charlie' Fionnuala Kearney, Irish Times bestseller 
 
'Spot on perfect for fans of The Holiday and Love, Actually' Claudia Carroll 
 
'Gripping!!' Bella 
 
'A heart-warming romance' Ulster Herald 
 
'A beautiful love story' Woman's Way 
 
'A proper winter heart-warmer' Heat 
 
'A gorgeous will they/won't they love story, with depth and surprising twists' The Sun 
 
'A lovely, heart-warming read' Closer 
 
Irish Times bestseller, December 2023

Emma Heatherington

The perfect Christmas romance, which is what we’ve come to expect from [Emma].

'Spot on perfect for fans of The Holiday and Love, Actually' Claudia Carroll 
 
'A Christmas hug of a book, which I read in two sittings' Fionnuala Kearney, Irish Times bestseller 
 
'Gripping!' Bella 
 
'A heart-warming romance' Ulster Herald 
 
'A beautiful love story' Woman's Way 
 
'A gorgeous will they/won't they love story, with depth and surprising twists' The Sun 
 
'A lovely and heart-warming read' Closer 
 
'A proper winter heart-warmer' Heat

* The new novel from the bestselling author of This Christmas and Maybe Next Christmas! * 
 
Lou and Ben fell in love as teenagers at the Ballyheaney Christmas Eve party. Every winter, they saved the date for each other. Until everything changed one fateful night… 
 
Now, after years away, widower Ben and his young daughter are back, determined to revive the legendary party. But with only two weeks to make it happen, they need help. So Ben turns to the one person he could never forget: Lou. 
 
As the days tick down to another Christmas Eve together, old feelings and memories resurface. Will Lou and Ben seize this chance to rewrite their very own love story? 
 
Praise for Emma Heatherington: 
 
'Spot on perfect for fans of The Holiday and Love, Actually' Claudia Carroll 
 
‘The perfect festive romance!’ Heidi Swain 
 
'A Christmas hug of a book, which I read in two sittings' Fionnuala Kearney, Irish Times bestseller 
 
'Gripping!' Bella 
 
'A heart-warming romance' Ulster Herald 
 
'A beautiful love story' Woman's Way 
 
'A gorgeous will they/won't they love story, with depth and surprising twists' The Sun 
 
'A lovely and heart-warming read' Closer 
 
'A proper winter heart-warmer' Heat

Emma Heatherington

Praise for Every Christmas Eve

The perfect Christmas romance, which is what we’ve come to expect from [Emma].

'Spot on perfect for fans of The Holiday and Love, Actually' Claudia Carroll

'A Christmas hug of a book, which I read in two sittings' Fionnuala Kearney, Irish Times bes ...

Books by Emma Heatherington

Articles featuring Emma Heatherington

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

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Praise for Every Christmas Eve

The perfect Christmas romance, which is what we’ve come to expect from [Emma].

'Spot on perfect for fans of The Holiday and Love, Actually' Claudia Carroll 'A Christmas hug of a book, which I read in two sittings' Fionnuala Kearney, Irish Times bes ...

Books by Emma Heatherington

Articles featuring Emma Heatherington

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

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter

'Spot on perfect for fans of The Holiday and Love, Actually' Claudia Carroll

'A Christmas hug of a book, which I read in two sittings' Fionnuala Kearney, Irish Times bes ...