Winter is the perfect season for cozying up with a good book, and if you’re like me, a festive sapphic romance or heartfelt story is exactly what you need to make the holidays brighter. Whether you’re looking for swoony adult romances or heartwarming young adult tales, there’s something here for everyone.
Below, I’ve gathered seven sapphic holiday books to add to your TBR this winter, with trigger warnings included to ensure your reading experience is as delightful as a cup of hot cocoa.
1. Season of Love by Helena Greer
Synopsis: When Miriam Blum’s estranged great-aunt dies, she unexpectedly inherits the family’s Christmas tree farm. Returning to the cozy, festive setting stirs up bittersweet memories—and brings her face-to-face with Noelle, the farm’s manager. Despite their rocky start, sparks fly between them. Will Miriam find the courage to embrace her past and open her heart to a future filled with love?
Trigger warnings: Grief, loss of a loved one, estranged family relationships, parental neglect.
2. Make the Yuletide Gay by Ivy L. James
Synopsis: After years apart, childhood best friends turned almost-something-more, Holly and Ivy, find themselves reconnecting during a Christmas visit to their small hometown. Between shared traditions, rekindled feelings, and festive celebrations, their bond grows stronger. Will this holiday season give them the second chance they didn’t know they needed?
Trigger warnings: Mild family tension, mentions of past heartbreak.
3. Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun
Synopsis: Ellie, reeling from a failed career and heartbreak, agrees to a fake engagement with her landlord to solve their mutual problems. But things get complicated when she meets his sister, Jack—the woman who broke her heart last Christmas. Trapped together in a snowy cabin with Jack and her family, Ellie must navigate old feelings and new complications in this heartwarming, hilarious holiday rom-com.
Trigger warnings: Parental neglect, emotional abuse, financial struggles.
4. Wrapped Together by Annabeth Albert
Synopsis: Wes, a meticulous bookstore owner, and Jonah, his free-spirited neighbor who runs a ribbon shop, find themselves reluctantly spending the holidays together. Through a series of shared traditions and unexpected moments of connection, their simmering tension turns into something much deeper. This novella is a tender celebration of queer joy and the magic of Christmas.
Trigger warnings: None explicitly mentioned, but themes of loneliness and healing are explored.
5. Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
Synopsis: Bee, a body-positive adult film star, finds herself accidentally cast in a wholesome Christmas movie. Co-starring with a former boy band member trying to revive his career, Bee must keep her profession a secret while navigating the pressures of Hollywood. Though not strictly sapphic, this story celebrates queer representation with incredible side characters and laugh-out-loud humor.
Trigger warnings: Mentions of sex work, societal judgment, public scrutiny.
6. Carol by Patricia Highsmith
Synopsis: Set during the holidays, this classic novel follows Therese, a young shopgirl who becomes infatuated with Carol, a glamorous and mysterious older woman. As their connection deepens, they face societal challenges and personal risks in this tender and evocative love story. A timeless tale for those looking for a more literary holiday read.
Trigger warnings: Homophobia, legal custody battle, infidelity.
7. Christmas in the California Desert by Roslyn Sinclair
Synopsis: Stranded in a small desert town just before Christmas, corporate lawyer Sera finds herself unexpectedly drawn to her quirky and charming host, Maren. What starts as an inconvenient stopover soon turns into a heartwarming exploration of love, vulnerability, and the magic of the holidays. With an opposites-attract dynamic and cozy small-town vibes, this story is as festive as it is swoony.
Trigger warnings: Mentions of past heartbreak, minor family tension.
There’s no better way to spend the holiday season than with a cozy book in hand. Let me know which one caught your eye or share your favorite sapphic Christmas reads in the comments!
Note: Trigger warnings are provided based on available information to assist readers in making informed choices.
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