The shifting loyalties of the Egyptian court keep you guessing exactly who is safe to trust.

Asenath is a brilliant, brave heroine who risks everything to follow her own conscience.

Joseph’s quiet resilience and unshakeable faith make him a truly compelling character to root for.

The author paints ancient Egypt so vividly you can almost smell the dust and temple incense.

From the grim, shadowy prison cells to the golden throne room, the atmosphere is totally absorbing.

and wonderfully earned.

A fresh, gripping take on a classic story that feels completely new and unpredictable.

A perfectly balanced mix of rich history and raw human emotion that lingers after the end.

The political plotting and quiet betrayals inside the royal palace create brilliant, steady tension.

This instalment makes Havenbrook feel more three-dimensional than ever: from the arrivals hut to the arts centre plaza, every corner shows winter in a coastal town. The Frozen Harbour Festival structure gives the book a clear spine, while the romance threads through rehearsals, crises, and quiet planning for “next year.” A standout seasonal read for fans of small-town series. —Georgia F., early reader

Long after the last page, the image of Havenbrook’s harbour—storm-battered, still lit up—sticks in the mind. That determined glow matches the tone of the whole book: honest about hardship, but ultimately hopeful. Elle and Cooper don’t get perfection, but they do get a honest chance together, and a shared story around one very important cake. A lovely, lingering coastal Christmas romance. —Lucas D., editorial reviewer

Ultimately, this is a book about finding hope under the harsh lighting of austerity, audits and winter flu. The clinic still squeaks, the pier still ices over, and yet people keep showing up—with cakes, triage hacks, lanterns and stubborn love. The romance is one bright thread in that larger tapestry, making the whole feel richer. A memorable, humane festive story. —Georgia F., early reader

At its core, this is a book about letting go—of old narratives, outdated guilt, and the need to control every variable. Leah lets go of constant motion; Jax lets go of solitary responsibility; the town lets go of a polished but incomplete legend. The Christmas backdrop keeps everything wrapped in warmth, even through tough conversations. A reflective yet comforting holiday romance. —Tariq S., early reader

The Christmas Recipe is the sort of gentle, engaging holiday romance that’s easy to pass on to friends or family. Closed-door intimacy, non-graphic accident scenes and a focus on community make it widely readable, while the foodie and heritage angles keep it interesting. Elle and Cooper’s journey from wary strangers to partners in both work and life feels wholesome and satisfying. —Megan H., beta reader

The final harbour scenes—lanterns on the water, fairy lights strung across stalls, violin music rising into the cold air—feel fully earned by everything that comes before. The town hasn’t magically fixed itself; it’s just holding together for another winter. Liya and Zack, arm in arm, deciding to keep patching with everyone else, is a quietly perfect Christmas romance note to end on. —Lucas D., editorial reviewer