90 books like The Christmas Party

Adored this novel. Set in Dorset within the film industry, this is one story that, if you like a romantic genre, it's endearing. Highlighting every situation in life comes down to stereotypical characters. The drama queen, the hopeless romantic, the dashing hero. It looks at how our self-esteem and parenting affect us so much in terms of communication skills later in life.

When romance is involved, we always think we know best for ourselves and others. The obvious is never on our radar. This demonstrates the ethos of friendships: how the hero we aspire to and fall for can come in many disguises. 

For Jane Austen fans, this will intrigue you as you step into the creation of some of her characters within the storyline. It is a relaxing and enjoyable read for romancers amongst us. Lyme Regis may well be deluged with visitors. 

Romance themes are easy for readers, but the escapism and scenarios are vast. This novel, set in the Big Apple, New York, hits the mark well. Some twists and turns, never knowing the final outcome. How random situations happen can make you think of serendipity at play.

Does fate have more control than you think? An intriguing concept. Thrown into the mix of engagements and weddings, tempers can flare. The stubbornness of characters with some excellent scenes where you feel the emotion and are in the midst of the story. Travels from the USA to Dublin, the story has a homely, feel-good vibe for romantic lovers. 

I found the writing tone tight and to the point in places, and I never quite knew how things would pan out for the key players.

I love the humor in writing or reading. A subject can be related to when we see the funny side of a situation in real life. This is there in spades in the first sentence. Not for the prudish.

Suzy and her capers are spot on, shocking at times, but always plausible. The dialogue is well-written. Not roses and chocolates but the real capers of relationships and the bedroom. The conversation between her conquests and friends is perfect. I couldn’t stop smiling.

If you want sweet hearts and polite, formal wooing, this is not your book. However, the realistic reality and hazards of life that jump on us are all part of this story. A modern romp to make you think your love life isn’t that bad after all.

A great book that whisks the reader into holiday mode. I was intrigued to delve further and delicately write with several characters' interweaving stories. Some are more prominent in the storyline than others. Written with sophistication where intimacy was portrayed.

This is hard to do, either very graphic or very tame and, in some cases, overly romantic or embarrassing cringe-worthy. Veronica sets the tone easily where it is required. The novels underlying theme for me was that nobody really knows how someone feels, emotions are so often hidden. Words are unsaid. The story dips from the past to the present time. As we eavesdrop into the varied personal lives of the beach hut owners. I love the variety of storylines. Some may need less characters to follow wanting a deep investigation of each one, for me speed and movement of a story line is key.

Her writing was exciting, natural… show more.

Any and all of Jenny Bayliss’s books can be read at Christmas and leave you feeling just as good as a hot toddy with the perfectly sized slice of spice cake.

Each of her books is a delectable treat and an immersion in the holiday spirit, but Meet Me Under the Mistletoe is my absolute favorite. Probably because I adore the heroine – Elinor Noel, or Nory for short. She owns her own vintage bookshop in London, but grew up in the English countryside.

Her parents’ home was near a posh private school, which Nory received a scholarship to attend. Throughout the years, she’s remained close with her old school chums and now two of them are set to be married just before Christmas in the old castle on the school grounds. 

Isaac has taken over as head gardener for the castle estate. He tormented Nory when they were children,… show more.

I love that Royal Holiday features older characters—the main character in this book is the mother of the main character in another of the same series. Because yes, whirlwind love stories shouldn't be restricted just to the 20- or 30-somethings.

The maturity and self-knowledge of the main characters was so refreshing, and of course the setting is a part of why I love every single book on this list.

This was simply a fun book. I watch a lot of baking shows, so when I saw that the setting involved both a reality cooking show and a bakery, I knew I was in my element. After an accident on set that leaves one twin sister unable to taste, she needs to swap places with her sister to save the show. This, of course, leads to all sorts of misunderstandings that make the story fast-paced and fun. As a warning, this book will make you hungry, especially for fresh-baked bread.

Ashley who is heading home for Christmas, meets a mysterious woman on a train, and wakes up wearing an antique charm bracelet.

Once home, Ashley keeps running into her former high school boyfriend, hot firefighter Aidan. If you love small town romances (and I do) then you’ll love Ashley’s hometown which is full of community spirit, family and friends and hot chocolate, and holiday traditions. Ashley soon realizes that each charm indicates an event that happens in real life.

It all adds up to the feeling that Ashley and Aidan are meant to be. Sweetly adorable and utterly charming.

I love books that draw you into the plight of the characters and make you ache for them.

Sent away from family and friends, Grace Miller is ashamed and isolated in the “sinner’s shack” as she calls it. Despite her heart-wrenching situation, I admire her pluck and courage. And when the community rallies around to help her, they show God’s love to a hurting stranger. But Grace isn’t the only one with hidden pain in the community.

As others around Grace open up and share their secrets, we discover that they, too, carry their own trauma they’ve hidden from the world. To love again, they need to forgive themselves and open up to God’s forgiveness and grace. I enjoyed the unexpected surprises, the strong emotional pull, the life-changing realizations, and the realistic story.

Ellie Thomas is a British author who specializes in short historical novellas.

Every single one is a small period drama in itself, where Ellie’s beautiful prose shines through. Meticulously researched these stories deliver on every level. At Christmas Charles leaves his long-term partner Avery (aka The Nicest Man in England TM) behind to care for his family.

An ill-advised proposal looms over his head as he’s faced with the hardest decision of his life. His family or the man he so desperately loves.