It’s December and the holidays are officially here! It’s the perfect time to grab a cozy blanket, pour something warm into a mug, and dive into the kind of romance novels that make the season feel extra sparkly. From a last minute roadtrip with the brother’s best friend to fake dating in the Scottish highlands to a Christmas movie marathon, I’ve rounded up five holiday romances that are equal parts charming, sweet, and joyfully escapist. They’re the perfect companions for December reading.
And because no good book binge should happen without a treat, I’m sharing a recipe for my bright, buttery, tart Cranberry Orange Scones with Cinnamon Orange Glaze. They’re easy, festive, and ideal for snacking while you’re flipping pages (or ignoring your to-do list…either way). These sweet treats are topped with a spicy and festive cinnamon orange glaze that screams Santa’s on his way!
So let’s get into the books (and the baking!) that will make your holiday season a whole lot sweeter.
1. Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon
GRACE & HENRY'S HOLIDAY MOVIE MARATHON
By Matthew Norman
337 Pages
Read it for: All of the Holiday Movie References!
Description: Grace and Henry are both celebrating their first holiday seasons since the loss of their spouses. Single mom and bar owner Grace is trying to keep things together for her family while sentimental ad executive Henry is having a hard time getting lost in the memories. When their families introduce the two of them, although they're not ready to date, they can recognize the potential for friendship. Henry suggests a holiday movie marathon so neither has to be alone watching movies that bring up memories of Christmases past. But will their growing friendship provide a second chance at love? Or just a new start?
2. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
By Jenny Bayliss
448 Pages
Read it for: The cozy small town English setting!
Description: After a bad break-up, Fred has to return home to her small English town, her mother and eccentric aunts, and the family Christmas Cracker business. Although that's the last thing Fred wants to do, she realizes that being home allows her to see her world through new eyes. She throws herself into the family business, reconnects with an old friend, and finds sparks with a charming local journalist. But as Fred uncovers secrets from her past, she'll have to figure out how to confront them to preserve the holiday present for herself and her family.
3. A Merry Little Lie
A MERRY LITTLE LIE
By Sarah Morgan
368 Pages
Read it for: Family drama meets romance drama!
Description: The Balfour siblings--Becky, Rosie, and Jamie--are all coming home for Christmas...and bringing their romantic drama with them! Becky's on her way by roadtrip...with her brother Jamie's best friend when she finds her plane grounded. Rosie and Declan were married quickly and now have been experiencing some issues--something both would like to keep a secret from the Balfour family. Jamie is bringing Hayley home for the first time, and they have a big secret they're worried about sharing. The secrets are bound to come out as everyone starts arriving home and the family drama kicks into high gear!
4. Yours For The Season
YOURS FOR THE SEASON
By Emily Stone
336 Pages
Read it for: Fake dating during the holidays--a tried and true tradition!
Description: Finn publicly and humiliatingly dumped Mel two weeks ago, so she's surprised when she finds him on her doorstep asking her to pretend to still be his girlfriend for his family's holiday trip to Scotland. She'll agree--but under one condition. At the end of the week, he has to allow her to publicly dump him for good. Everything should go smoothly--as long as neither of them rekindle real feelings for one another!
5. Good Spirits
GOOD SPIRITS
By B. K. Borison
384 Pages
Read it for: A holiday romance between a ghost and the woman he's assigned to haunt!
Description: Harriet's a good person, so she's surprised when she's visited by the Ghost of Christmas past, Nolan. For his part, Nolan's been waiting in the afterlife to move on, but finds himself wanting a future once he meets Harriet. Could the key to both of their futures be in Harriet's past?
My Romance Recipe Pairing–Cranberry Orange Scones with Cinnamon Orange Glaze
These festive scones are the perfect accompaniment to a latte and any of the romances on this list! Studded with fresh cranberry and drizzled with a cinnamon orange glaze, they’re a surefire merry maker. The little tart cranberries are especially delicious here. The recipe is below!
Cranberry Orange Mini Scones with Cinnamon Orange Glaze
Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy12
servings20
minutes18
minutesIngredients
2 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold, unsalted butter, cubed
3/4 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing on top
1 egg
1 Tbsp orange zest
1 cup fresh cranberries
- Cinnamon Orange Glaze
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1-2 Tbsp orange juice
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients–flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the butter cubes to the dry mix, and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dry ingredients. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients–cream, egg, and orange zest. Add the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and butter. Don’t over overmix.
- Fold in cranberries, gently.
- Turn out onto a floured surface and divide the batter in half. Form into two equal size discs about 6 inches. Slice each disc into 6 wedges making 12 total.
- Brush the tops with extra cream.
- Bake 18-20 minutes until golden and set.
- While the scones are in the oven, mix the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and orange juice for the glaze.
- When the scones are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze on top. Let set and serve!
