The best new books to read in December 2023
Cosy up by the Christmas tree and get lost in a brilliant book publishing this month
The final month of the year is also proving to be a bumper month in the world of books. And with those long Christmas holidays ahead of us, there’s no excuse not to sink your teeth into a great new novel. From foodie favourites by bestselling author Ravneet Gill to moving fiction by Emily Thiede and Sarah Stovell, here are the best books to get your hands on in December 2023 (which happen to double as perfect presents for bookworms, too).
This Cursed Light by Emily Thiede
The heart-pounding sequel to This Vicious Grace will be published on 5 December, and will see author Emily Thiede pick up the story six months after protagonist Alessa saved her island from destruction and almost lost her lover-come-bodyguard Dante. While she may be ready to live happily ever after, Dante is restless. Soon, he uncovers secrets, lies, and ghosts from his past that force him to show his true colours – for better or worse…
Baking For Pleasure by Ravneet Gill
December is, no doubt, a month that often revolves around food. And what better way to lean into the holiday season than with a book all about baking for the fun of it? Featuring classic comfort bakes, from ’nduja puff pastry sausage rolls and vegetarian samosas to chicken pies and brownie traybakes, author Ravneet Gill is an expert in creating soulful food for all to enjoy, with two bestselling books already under her belt. Baking For Pleasure, published on 7 December, is packed with 80 tried-and-tested recipes which we’re sure will keep you occupied in the kitchen all month long.
Every Happy Family by Sarah Stovell
An emotionally charged and hilarious examination of complex family dynamics, Every Happy Family – published on 7 December – is perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Jane Fallon. The plot follows Minnie and Bert, who are delighted to have their three grown-up children home for the first time in a decade. But having everyone under one roof isn’t without its dramas. It boils down to an incident involving Nora Skelly – a name you daren’t mention in front of Minnie…
Feel Good In 15 by Joe Wicks
Get ahead of the inevitable ‘new year, new me’ curve and get in the groove with fitness-guru Joe Wicks. Having gained quite the reputation during lockdown with his mood-boosting workouts, Wicks is back with speedy exercises you can do in your lunch break, nutritious recipes you can whip up in minutes, and easy hacks that will improve concentration and increase your energy. You’ll be feeling good in no time…
Permission To Rest by Ashley Neese
Need something to help you relax? Permission to Rest is a timely manifesto inviting readers to pause, look inward, learn to feel their own rhythms, and value rest as a healing, empowering, and spiritual way of life. Written by breathwork and yoga coach Ashley Neese, this book comes at a brilliant time for many as we enter what can be the busiest and most stressful month of the year. It could also double as a brilliant present for someone you know who needs a little help taking it easy.
Every Time You Go Away by Abigail Johnson
Finally, on 21 December, get your hands on Abigail Johnson’s latest novel: a searing portrait of grief, forgiveness and love. Several years ago, Ethan and Rebecca were just childhood best friends sharing secrets and first kisses in a tree house – until Ethan’s mum took him away. Now leading separate lives, Ethan and Rebecca battle with life-changing issues, from addiction to rehabilitation, and when they meet again for the first time in years, they discover if their hardships have torn them apart or can bring them closer together.
Read more: The best TV shows and films to stream in December 2023
