88 books like A Christmas Promise

By Mary Balogh,

Here are 88 books that A Christmas Promise fans have personally recommended if you like A Christmas Promise. Shepherd is a community of 10,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Marian's Christmas Wish

Elisabeth Fairchild Author Of The Holly and the Ivy

From my list on film worthy regency era Christmas.

Why am I passionate about this?

A Jane Austen devotee since third grade, inspired by subtlety, wit, and clever banter, neck deep in richly evocative Regency research and sensory detail, I've authored 17 Jane Austen-style novels, (3 Christmas) and 4 novellas (3 Christmas) published by NAL/Penguin. Fascinated by lyrical language, budding love matches, and honorable, moral, and ethical themes, I'm particularly fond of historically accurate warm-hearted Christmas novels. I'd love to see a Christmas Regency Classic added to the ranks of beloved Holiday films, so I was thrilled to come up with a list of favorites! Awards: Golden Quill, Holt Medallion, Bookseller’s Best, Waldensbook Bestseller of the Year, Romantic Times Top Pick, Reviewers Choice, Best Regency Novel, a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Elisabeth's book list on film worthy regency era Christmas

Elisabeth Fairchild Why did Elisabeth love this book?

A RITA Award winner, this sweet, character-driven Regency comes alive with playful Hepburn/Tracy style banter in a May/December romance. An impertinent younger sister, who takes in strays and the wounded, wins the attention of a scarred, slightly singed diplomat. She decides he must be reunited with his family for the holidays. With her rascal brother’s dubious assistance, the three embark on a surprisingly dangerous quest to fulfill heartfelt Christmas wishes.

By Carla Kelly,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Marian's Christmas Wish as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Miss Marian Wynswich is a rather unconventional young lady. She plays chess, reads Greek, and is as educated as any young man. And she’s certain falling in love is a ridiculous endeavor and vows never to do such a thing. But everything changes when she receives a Christmas visit from someone unexpected—a young and handsome English lord.


Book cover of Once Upon A Christmas

Elisabeth Fairchild Author Of The Holly and the Ivy

From my list on film worthy regency era Christmas.

Why am I passionate about this?

A Jane Austen devotee since third grade, inspired by subtlety, wit, and clever banter, neck deep in richly evocative Regency research and sensory detail, I've authored 17 Jane Austen-style novels, (3 Christmas) and 4 novellas (3 Christmas) published by NAL/Penguin. Fascinated by lyrical language, budding love matches, and honorable, moral, and ethical themes, I'm particularly fond of historically accurate warm-hearted Christmas novels. I'd love to see a Christmas Regency Classic added to the ranks of beloved Holiday films, so I was thrilled to come up with a list of favorites! Awards: Golden Quill, Holt Medallion, Bookseller’s Best, Waldensbook Bestseller of the Year, Romantic Times Top Pick, Reviewers Choice, Best Regency Novel, a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Elisabeth's book list on film worthy regency era Christmas

Elisabeth Fairchild Why did Elisabeth love this book?

With a lovely grasp of engaging period language and humor, Farr produces a matchmaking mama’s interfering scheme to marry off her bride-shy son with the assistance of a distant, impoverished, orphaned cousin. Her headstrong targets have their own ideas concerning their future happiness and manage to unwrap their own glittering Christmas joy.

By Diane Farr,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Once Upon A Christmas as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

After a tragic loss, Celia Delacourt faces a life of loneliness and poverty - until her distant cousin, the Duchess of Arnsford, unexpectedly takes her under her wing. Celia suspects an ulterior motive, but is grateful to spend Christmas with family, however remote the relationship - and despite the daunting grandeur of the ducal palace.

Celia has braced herself to face the worst Christmas of her life. But when Jack Delacourt comes home - determined to thwart the schemes of his mother, the duchess - Celia finds a friend and ally. And she begins to wonder ... will this be…


Book cover of The Girl is Not For Christmas

Elisabeth Fairchild Author Of The Holly and the Ivy

From my list on film worthy regency era Christmas.

Why am I passionate about this?

A Jane Austen devotee since third grade, inspired by subtlety, wit, and clever banter, neck deep in richly evocative Regency research and sensory detail, I've authored 17 Jane Austen-style novels, (3 Christmas) and 4 novellas (3 Christmas) published by NAL/Penguin. Fascinated by lyrical language, budding love matches, and honorable, moral, and ethical themes, I'm particularly fond of historically accurate warm-hearted Christmas novels. I'd love to see a Christmas Regency Classic added to the ranks of beloved Holiday films, so I was thrilled to come up with a list of favorites! Awards: Golden Quill, Holt Medallion, Bookseller’s Best, Waldensbook Bestseller of the Year, Romantic Times Top Pick, Reviewers Choice, Best Regency Novel, a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Elisabeth's book list on film worthy regency era Christmas

Elisabeth Fairchild Why did Elisabeth love this book?

Nice banter, endearing characters, and a clever ending twist are wrapped in the Christmas antics of a newly impoverished, scapegrace family. Misfits for unwanted, arranged marriages, "plain Jane" Olivia helps rescue her brother’s friend, a depraved libertine known as the King of Sin, from himself, discovering her own resilience and strength in the process.

By Emma V. Leech,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Girl is Not For Christmas as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Miss Olivia Penrose is a lost cause and she knows it. She is just too stubborn to admit defeat.

After a series of disastrous investments, her family is on the brink of bankruptcy. Now, Olivia is the only thing standing between her brother Charlie’s rapidly growing family and penury. Olivia has one chance to capture the eye of a wealthy man and marry well. Her great aunt’s lavish New Year ball. Between now and then, Livvy must transform herself from who she is, into a woman who can drive a respectable fellow mad with desire. An impossible task.

I owe…


The Sailor Without a Sweetheart

By Katherine Grant,

Book cover of The Sailor Without a Sweetheart

Katherine Grant Author Of The Viscount Without Virtue

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Novelist History nerd Amateur dancer Reader New Yorker

Katherine's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

Enjoy this Persuasion-inspired historical romance!

Six years ago, Amy decided *not* to elope with Captain Nate Preston. Now, he is back in the neighborhood, and he is shocked to discover that Amy is unmarried. Even more surprising, she is clearly battling some unnamed illness. Thrown together by circumstances outside their control, Nate and Amy try to be friends. Soon, it becomes clear that their feelings for each other never died. Has anything changed, or are they destined for heartbreak once more?

The Sailor Without a Sweetheart

By Katherine Grant,

What is this book about?

Is love worth giving a second chance?

Six years ago, Amy Lamplugh decided not to elope with Nate Preston. Ever since, she has been working hard to convince herself she was right to choose her family over Nate.

Now, Nate is back. After an illustrious career as a naval captain, he faces a court martial for disobeying orders while fighting the slave trade. He accepts an invitation to await the trial at a country estate outside of Portsmouth - and discovers he is suddenly neighbors with Amy.

Nate is shocked to find that Amy didn’t end up marrying someone rich…


Book cover of A Yuletide Kiss: A Warrior Maids of Rivenloch Short Story

Emmanuelle de Maupassant Author Of Highland Christmas

From my list on holiday historical romances set in the Highlands.

Why am I passionate about this?

Historical romance author Emmanuelle lives on the bonny banks of Loch Fyne with her husband and beloved haggis pudding Archie McFloof—connoisseur of bacon treats and squeaky toys. She’ll never tire of dreaming up brooding, kilted heroes. 

Emmanuelle's book list on holiday historical romances set in the Highlands

Emmanuelle de Maupassant Why did Emmanuelle love this book?

All sorts of fun tropes are rolled into this fabulously fast-paced ‘runaway bride’ Yuletide novelette, featuring another heroine hiding her identity. Escaping an arranged marriage, it so happens that the very man our girl falls for while in disguise is the groom scheduled to walk her down the aisle. And, Brude the Brutal is a virgin. Happy sigh! 

By Glynnis Campbell,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Yuletide Kiss as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Kimbery from "The Shipwreck" gets her own story!

From USA Today bestselling author Glynnis Campbell...A half-Viking shieldmaiden has until Yuletide to choose a bridegroom…or one will be chosen for her.

Half-Viking shieldmaiden Kimbery of Rivenloch has until Yuletide to choose a bridegroom…or one will be chosen for her. But when the barbarian Brude the Brutal travels to claim his betrothed, he finds himself bewitched instead by a runaway bride.

A YULETIDE KISS
A Warrior Maids of Rivenloch short story
Damsels in shining armor...riding to the rescue! Deirdre, Helena, and Miriel, three kick-arse Scots wenches known as The Warrior Maids of…


Book cover of Merry Measure

Casey Cox Author Of Got Me Merry

From my list on festive Christmas MM romances to get you merry.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a MM romance author who loves Christmas. Except, living in Australia means my Christmas Day us spent lazing about in a pool in the middle of a summer heatwave. That’s why I love reading all the romance books about holidays where there’s snow, wintry nights, hot cocoa, and of course, all the love and feels we’ve come to expect at this magical time of year. There are too many MM holiday romances to mention, but I hope this list gives you a taste of what you can expect!

Casey's book list on festive Christmas MM romances to get you merry

Casey Cox Why did Casey love this book?

Lilly Morton is such an exceptional writer, she’s able to transport readers smack-bang to Christmas in Amsterdam. I loved that. I also loved the two characters, Arlo and Jack. So different in so many ways, and yet utterly perfect together. Expect plenty of laughs, great conversations, and of course, a happily ever after!

By Lily Morton,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Merry Measure as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Arlo Wright’s introduction to his sexuality came when he saw his older brother’s best friend, Jack Cooper, in his sweaty football kit. Unfortunately, he didn’t have long to enjoy the revelation because he promptly knocked himself out on a table.

Relations between them have never really moved on from that auspicious beginning. Arlo is still clumsy, and Jack is still as handsome and unobtainable as ever.

However, things look like they’re starting to change when Arlo finds himself sharing a room with Jack while on holiday in Amsterdam at Christmas. Will the festive spirit finally move them towards each other,…


Book cover of The Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas: Roots and Rebirth of the Folkloric Devil

Kyle Sullivan Author Of Krampus Confidential

From my list on delivering holiday magic with a dark twist.

Why am I passionate about this?

Since I was a child, Halloween and Christmas have held equally hallowed positions in my heart. When I learned of Krampus folklore in my teens, I was immediately fascinated. Krampus offered the best of both worlds—a dose of Halloween creepiness to counterbalance the bright jubilation of the winter holidays. Krampus Confidential, a middle-grade mystery, and adaptation of The Maltese Falcon, is my second children’s book that aims to introduce this magnificent creature to children in a way that doesn’t inspire nightmares. My first, Goodnight Krampus, is a board book for young readers that reimagines the monster as a rambunctious toddler who gives Santa a hard time by refusing to go to sleep on Christmas Eve.

Kyle's book list on delivering holiday magic with a dark twist

Kyle Sullivan Why did Kyle love this book?

In addition to providing an engaging and well-researched introduction to Krampus (the darkest winter holiday creature of them all), The Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas is a wonderful exploration of a wide spectrum of delightfully sinister facets of European Christmas tradition. For centuries, grim entities have emerged from the Christmastime shadows to offer a counterbalance to the lightness and joy of the holiday season. Ridenour connects Krampus to this tradition by taking the reader on a thrilling journey to an old world seething with witches, ghosts, demons, and child-eating ghouls. This book provided invaluable context and detail as I crafted the monster-filled, festive and shadowy setting of my own book.

By Al Ridenour,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

With the appearance of the demonic Christmas character Krampus in contemporary Hollywood movies, television shows, advertisements, and greeting cards, medieval folklore has now been revisited in American culture. Krampus-related events and parades occur both in North America and Europe, and they are an ever-growing phenomenon.

Though the Krampus figure has once again become iconic, not much can be found about its history and meaning, thus calling for a book like Al Ridenour's The Krampus: Roots and Rebirth of the Folkloric Devil. With Krampus's wild, graphic history, Feral House has hired the awarded designer Sean Tejaratchi to take on Ridenour's book…


Book cover of Who'll Be Dead For Christmas?

Mavis Applewater Author Of Home For The Holidays

From my list on holiday romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an award winning author who loves a good romance. I love when two unlikely people meet under challenging circumstance. Bringing these two characters together has been the basis of all fourteen of my books. Home For The Holidays took a series of short stories and blended two of my favorite events finding love and the holidays. 

Mavis' book list on holiday romance

Mavis Applewater Why did Mavis love this book?

Take an accident-prone detective add romance and a murder and you have an amusing Christmas tale like no other. Kate Ryan moves back to her old neighborhood in Chicago. It is one week before Christmas and someone at the hospital where Maggie works has the bad manners to die. In this Kate Ryan mystery, the reader is treated to an amusing holiday tale.

By Kate Sweeney,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Who'll Be Dead For Christmas? as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A week before Christmas, Kate Ryan moves back into her old neighborhood on the North side of Chicago. Back where she started and ended her P.I. business. Kate purchases a renovated brownstone and she gets it for a song. When Kate finds out that the former tenant, a scientist, was murdered in the kitchen, she understands why she got it so cheap.

Is it a coincidence the dead doctor worked at University Hospital with Maggie? When Kate accidentally discovers a journal from the murdered scientist in the brick wall of her fireplace, she realizes it is not.

All of the…


Book cover of Educated by the Earl

Emmanuelle de Maupassant Author Of The Lady's Guide to Scandal

From my list on “snowed-in” Christmas historical romances.

Why am I passionate about this?

Historical romance author Emmanuelle lives on the bonny banks of Loch Fyne with her husband and beloved haggis pudding Archie McFloof—connoisseur of bacon treats and squeaky toys. She’ll never tire of dreaming up handsome and mysterious strangers she’d love to be snowed in with.

Emmanuelle's book list on “snowed-in” Christmas historical romances

Emmanuelle de Maupassant Why did Emmanuelle love this book?

How can you not gobble up a series entitled Miss Primm's Secret School for Budding Bluestockings? In this installment, everyone has gone away for the Christmas holidays, leaving our heroine all alone in the rambling mansion. As if that wasn’t bad enough, she’s awoken in the middle of the night by an intruder! This just happens to be Miss Primm’s brother, breaking in to escape a terrible snowstorm, and hurting himself in the process. As Victoria nurses her unwanted guest’s injuries, a little flame begins to warm her heart, but are her feelings reciprocated? I love the chemistry between these two, and the laugh-out-loud banter.

By Annabelle Anders,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Educated by the Earl as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A strait-laced schoolteacher and a rakish earl are stranded together at Miss Primm’s School for the holidays. Alone.

The lady follows the rules

Etiquette teacher, Miss Victoria Shipley, isn’t looking for romance. She is moral, proper and takes her position as assistant headmistress quite seriously. But when she’s left alone to fend for herself, she begins to question everything she stands for.

The rake breaks them

Piers Primm, The Earl of Rosewood, goes where he wants, when he wants, and almost always gets his way. As the spare turned heir, the last thing he wants is to give up his…


Book cover of Big Maze Book

Scott Bedford Author Of Mega-Maze Adventure!: A Journey Through the World's Longest Maze in a Book

From my list on maze books for children.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an author, illustrator, and award-winning creative director. I have loved to draw and make things since a young age, mostly wacky contraptions (inspired by my love of the Hanna-Barbera Wacky Races cartoons). I’m also passionate about mazes, having spent many family holidays drawing mazes on a small whiteboard for my two boys to complete.

Scott's book list on maze books for children

Scott Bedford Why did Scott love this book?

You can always rely on a children’s book published by Usborne, the Big Maze Book by Kirsten Robson is no exception. It offers 50 different mazes to solve, each charmingly illustrated. The mazes themselves are nice and varied, incorporating different settings, different subject matter, and slightly different visual treatments, which all helps to keep solvers interested. As a whole, this book would probably appeal more to younger children who still enjoy picture books. That being said, the mazes do get progressively harder through the book, so there is something there for the slightly older ones too.

By Kirsten Robson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Big Maze Book as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Wind your way through over 50 mazes to find: lost friends, escape danger, discover and complete extra puzzles throughout this book.

Book Details: Format: Activity Book Publication Date: 1/1/2013 Pages: 96 Reading Level: Age 6 and Up


Book cover of Curious George

Jack Payton Author Of Billy Balloon

From my list on children’s stories you wish you had written.

Why am I passionate about this?

I wrote Billy Balloon in fourth grade for a writing exercise. I remember the teacher reading it to the whole class. I was filled with pride. Then through the years I’d revisit the story and think about getting it published. Many years later, with the support and encouragement from my family, I finally decided to go through with it. We then went from wanting to publish one book to building a brand similar to Curious George and Thomas the Train. We had such a great experience and fun time we also decided to share the adventure with others. We invite readers to submit ideas for other books in the Billy Balloon series through our website

Jack's book list on children’s stories you wish you had written

Jack Payton Why did Jack love this book?

The fun thing about George was reading all the different books with my kids, and discovering what he was up to next.

He is curious about everything around him, and isn’t always able to express himself. Very much like little kids. George’s childlike innocence and sense of adventure is contagious.

I was also in awe of the author's productivity. There were so many different stories! It was an inspiration to my book series, to invite readers to help co-author additional books.

By H. A. Rey,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Curious George as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Curious little ones will love to cuddle up at bedtime with this padded story collection with sturdy pages. The perfect ending to a long day of play!

Includes six stories:
Curious George: Are You Curious
Curious George and the Firefighters
Curious George's Day at the Farm
Curious George Goes to a Bookstore
Curious George Loves to Ride
Good Night, Curious George


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Christmas, arranged marriage, and nobility?

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