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The Christmas Book Flood
In this charming World War II historical romance novella inspired by Iceland’s Christmas Book Flood, an author falls in love with a man who doesn’t know he is her editor.
Iceland. December 1944. Tatiana Eliasdottir is looking forward to welcoming her niece Elea for Christmas. She’s determined to give the little girl a joyful holiday and take her mind off troubles at home. Soon, however, the publishing house where Tatiana works is flooded with orders thanks to the first issue of a seasonal book catalog. With the war causing so many shortages, Icelanders are eager to give their loved ones something that isn’t rationed, and books are the perfect solution to their dilemma.
Anders Johannsson is an editor who shares Tatiana’s love for stories. While he wishes to know her better, he’s never dared pursue more than friendship. They are first and foremost colleagues. But when Tatiana’s attempts to cheer Elea fail, Tatiana recruits him to help, a plea he can’t refuse. He is, after all, not only an editor but a beloved children’s book author and devoted uncle to his adoring nieces and nephews.
As the two creatively bring Icelandic Christmas traditions to life for Elea and frantically work to meet the demands of the publisher’s holiday rush, Tatiana finds herself increasingly drawn to kind, thoughtful Anders. But if a love is to grow between them, she will need to reveal her closely held she is the mysterious author of a popular new novel . . . and Anders is her editor.
A standalone World War II historical Christmas novella A sweet holiday romance with a friends-to-more trope Features a bookish heroine and hero Christian fiction great for fans of Lynn Austin and Sarah Sundin
Iceland. December 1944. Tatiana Eliasdottir is looking forward to welcoming her niece Elea for Christmas. She’s determined to give the little girl a joyful holiday and take her mind off troubles at home. Soon, however, the publishing house where Tatiana works is flooded with orders thanks to the first issue of a seasonal book catalog. With the war causing so many shortages, Icelanders are eager to give their loved ones something that isn’t rationed, and books are the perfect solution to their dilemma.
Anders Johannsson is an editor who shares Tatiana’s love for stories. While he wishes to know her better, he’s never dared pursue more than friendship. They are first and foremost colleagues. But when Tatiana’s attempts to cheer Elea fail, Tatiana recruits him to help, a plea he can’t refuse. He is, after all, not only an editor but a beloved children’s book author and devoted uncle to his adoring nieces and nephews.
As the two creatively bring Icelandic Christmas traditions to life for Elea and frantically work to meet the demands of the publisher’s holiday rush, Tatiana finds herself increasingly drawn to kind, thoughtful Anders. But if a love is to grow between them, she will need to reveal her closely held she is the mysterious author of a popular new novel . . . and Anders is her editor.
A standalone World War II historical Christmas novella A sweet holiday romance with a friends-to-more trope Features a bookish heroine and hero Christian fiction great for fans of Lynn Austin and Sarah Sundin
Audible Audio
First published October 1, 2025
108 people are currently reading
1176 people want to read
About the author
Roseanna M. White
60 books3,829 followersRoseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. She and her family make their home in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
see also Roseanna White
see also Roseanna White
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
December 27, 2025
Aww! This was so sweet and Christmasy 🥰
I LOVED how the main couple had been friends for so long because of made the romance feel so much more realistic! And Anders was just so sweet. 🥹 Also this is random but the fact Anders didn’t blow up when Tatiana told him her secret made me quite happy. 😆
The story wasn’t just about Tatiana and Anders but also focused heavily on Jolabokaflod! I’ve celebrated this with my family before and reading a story of its history was just perfect. 🥰 It was fascinating also to see inside a WWII era publishing house!
And Elea! Seeing the Icelandic Christmas traditions through her childlike awe and wonder filled eyes added such a layer of whimsy to the story. 🫶🏻
All in all, just so adorable!! 🎄❤️
Content: I waited too long to post this which is my bad so I’m fuzzy on the specific content details… mostly just romance with a good bit of noticing/butterflies/crushing but nothing inappropriate or over the top. A few kisses and hand holding.
✨ 4.75 Stars ✨
I LOVED how the main couple had been friends for so long because of made the romance feel so much more realistic! And Anders was just so sweet. 🥹 Also this is random but the fact Anders didn’t blow up when Tatiana told him her secret made me quite happy. 😆
The story wasn’t just about Tatiana and Anders but also focused heavily on Jolabokaflod! I’ve celebrated this with my family before and reading a story of its history was just perfect. 🥰 It was fascinating also to see inside a WWII era publishing house!
And Elea! Seeing the Icelandic Christmas traditions through her childlike awe and wonder filled eyes added such a layer of whimsy to the story. 🫶🏻
All in all, just so adorable!! 🎄❤️
Content: I waited too long to post this which is my bad so I’m fuzzy on the specific content details… mostly just romance with a good bit of noticing/butterflies/crushing but nothing inappropriate or over the top. A few kisses and hand holding.
✨ 4.75 Stars ✨
December 11, 2025
This is a sweet and wholesome novella perfect for Christmas time. There's no real angst or third act conflict, just joy, peace, and the resolution of all the struggles the characters experienced at the beginning of the story.
I really enjoyed being introduced to a little bit of Icelandic history as well as their folklore, culture, and Christmas traditions.
I really enjoyed being introduced to a little bit of Icelandic history as well as their folklore, culture, and Christmas traditions.
December 7, 2025
5+ ⭐️ I absolutely adored this sweet Christmas story set in 1940s Iceland. I learned so much about their traditions and the families within the story were wonderful. The romance was especially sweet. Highly recommended!
December 27, 2025
5 stars!!! This book is genuinely Christmas magic in book form!!!
January 1, 2026
5 stars
Completed: Nov. 18/25
Format: audiobook borrow (Everand)
Narrator: Talon David - her best narration ever
Book #154 of 2025: This novella description looked so appealing and I’m enjoying shorter books at this time of year. A Christmas book about books sounded right up my alley! I also love the Icelandic tradition of giving books and reading at Christmas. So, I dove in and enjoyed every bit.
It is 1944 in Iceland. The two main characters are Tatiana and Anders. Tatiana works in a publishing office and is also a secret and published author that no one is aware of. Anders is an editor at the same company but is a popular children’s author as well. He also has a beautiful talent for painting. The co-workers become friends, and then there are awkward inklings of mutual attraction. It is both sweet and gratifying.
This is a warm, uber-comfy read. I love a small community feel, whether in size or spirit, and this novella definitely has that. I enjoyed every character, personality, and their interactions, including Tatiana’s spunky niece. I respected all the publishing company’s staff efforts to fill the many book orders together as a team. I appreciated the inclusion of family issues. After all, we all have them! As Anders’ family members begin to understand their misconceptions and skewed perceptions, it felt like a blend of healing and hope.
This is a a terrific Christmas read. Find a comfy chair, some hot cocoa, a fireplace, and a soft blanket. Settle in and take it all in.
Completed: Nov. 18/25
Format: audiobook borrow (Everand)
Narrator: Talon David - her best narration ever
Book #154 of 2025: This novella description looked so appealing and I’m enjoying shorter books at this time of year. A Christmas book about books sounded right up my alley! I also love the Icelandic tradition of giving books and reading at Christmas. So, I dove in and enjoyed every bit.
It is 1944 in Iceland. The two main characters are Tatiana and Anders. Tatiana works in a publishing office and is also a secret and published author that no one is aware of. Anders is an editor at the same company but is a popular children’s author as well. He also has a beautiful talent for painting. The co-workers become friends, and then there are awkward inklings of mutual attraction. It is both sweet and gratifying.
This is a warm, uber-comfy read. I love a small community feel, whether in size or spirit, and this novella definitely has that. I enjoyed every character, personality, and their interactions, including Tatiana’s spunky niece. I respected all the publishing company’s staff efforts to fill the many book orders together as a team. I appreciated the inclusion of family issues. After all, we all have them! As Anders’ family members begin to understand their misconceptions and skewed perceptions, it felt like a blend of healing and hope.
This is a a terrific Christmas read. Find a comfy chair, some hot cocoa, a fireplace, and a soft blanket. Settle in and take it all in.
December 27, 2025
This was lovely! I really liked all the characters and the setting in Iceland.
December 16, 2025
Hopeful and heart-warming, “The Christmas Book Flood” by Roseanna M. White is a singular holiday read!
Set in Iceland during the 1940’s, this wonderfully bookish novella combines fascinating WWII history, a publishing house, endearing characters, a matchmaking niece, brother banter, and a sweet friends-to-more / workplace romance with a secret identity twist.
If you fancy a festive story that celebrates Icelandic culture and traditions, “The Christmas Book Flood” is sure to be your cup of tea!
Set in Iceland during the 1940’s, this wonderfully bookish novella combines fascinating WWII history, a publishing house, endearing characters, a matchmaking niece, brother banter, and a sweet friends-to-more / workplace romance with a secret identity twist.
If you fancy a festive story that celebrates Icelandic culture and traditions, “The Christmas Book Flood” is sure to be your cup of tea!
December 10, 2025
Iceland 1944
Sweet Christmas novella. I learned some interesting things about Iceland during WWII and about Iceland as a country.
Sweet Christmas novella. I learned some interesting things about Iceland during WWII and about Iceland as a country.
December 29, 2025
You had me at “Book Flood”. I first heard about that fantastic Icelandic tradition last year, so was thrilled to read a story about it!
The setting of this WW2 Christmas story also grabbed my attention. I had no previous knowledge of Iceland during WW2 and it was fun to learn more about the culture!
A few fun facts…Did you know that Iceland remained neutral during BUT that they also remained loyal to the Allied cause? Great Britain, the U.S., and Canada all occupied the country at some point. However, unlike those countries occupied by the Axis powers, the Allies presence was actually a blessing to Iceland.
There were many other aspects in the plot I really enjoyed! A few “tropes” you’ll find in this book are…
📖 secret identity
📖 shy, artistic MMC
📖 work place romance
📖 family relationships
📖 forced proximity
📖 unique Christmas traditions
📖 books galore!
I loved this book and would absolutely read it again. The Christmas Book Flood is one I’ll be adding to my favorite Christmas reads list❤️ and I hope to add it to my personal library someday if it ever comes into print (available only as an ebook and read on Hoopla).
The setting of this WW2 Christmas story also grabbed my attention. I had no previous knowledge of Iceland during WW2 and it was fun to learn more about the culture!
A few fun facts…Did you know that Iceland remained neutral during BUT that they also remained loyal to the Allied cause? Great Britain, the U.S., and Canada all occupied the country at some point. However, unlike those countries occupied by the Axis powers, the Allies presence was actually a blessing to Iceland.
There were many other aspects in the plot I really enjoyed! A few “tropes” you’ll find in this book are…
📖 secret identity
📖 shy, artistic MMC
📖 work place romance
📖 family relationships
📖 forced proximity
📖 unique Christmas traditions
📖 books galore!
I loved this book and would absolutely read it again. The Christmas Book Flood is one I’ll be adding to my favorite Christmas reads list❤️ and I hope to add it to my personal library someday if it ever comes into print (available only as an ebook and read on Hoopla).
December 7, 2025
2.75/5 ... I was quite underwhelmed by the writing and characters... not the story for me unfortunately.
December 15, 2025
“In this charming World War II historical romance novella inspired by Jolabokaflod, Iceland’s Christmas Book Flood, an author falls in love with a man who doesn’t know he is her editor.”
Set in December 1944 in Iceland, this story follows secret author Tatiana, her niece Elea, and Anders, a talented editor and illustrator. I love all the bits of history incorporated into this story! I learned a lot and was even inspired to research a few things further–love it when that happens.
This story was truly so charming! It reminded me a bit of You’ve Got Mail, but without the enemies-to-lovers part.
If you’re looking for a Christmas novella to squeeze into the busy Christmas season, pick The Christmas Book Flood!
Read for:
Christian historical fiction
Stand-alone novella
1940’s Iceland
Light faith themes
Clean, kisses only romance
Highly recommend!
December 26, 2025
4.5 stars (rounded up to 5)
Well, that was a delightful read!
With a focus on jolabokaflod (an Icelandic tradition featuring Christmas gifts of books), along with author characters and their publishing house setting, this is the ultimate Christmas story for book lovers! And I really enjoyed the addition of art/painting to the plot!
The WWII time period is interesting, giving a glimpse into life in Iceland during that time. Also, I knew very little about Christmas yule lads, so it really felt like I was learning about that legend through the characters' eyes. Above all, I appreciated how the faith content frequently mentions the true meaning of Christmas: celebrating Jesus' birth.
The characters are wonderful - I literally enjoyed all of them! Tatiana is great, little Elea is so sweet, and Anders is adorable with his slightly awkward personality. And that clean romance?? SO GOOD. I loved the character development too. This story is packed with strong themes of hope and family.
I'd definitely recommend this as a sweet, cozy Christmas read! And, even though this story wraps up with no cliffhangers, I'm eagerly hoping we'll get to see these characters again in future stories!
*Content to note*
Discussions of past miscarriages/grieving mother/fears of another failed pregnancy. Many mentions of yule lads (Icelandic Christmas legend treated similarly to Santa).
Well, that was a delightful read!
With a focus on jolabokaflod (an Icelandic tradition featuring Christmas gifts of books), along with author characters and their publishing house setting, this is the ultimate Christmas story for book lovers! And I really enjoyed the addition of art/painting to the plot!
The WWII time period is interesting, giving a glimpse into life in Iceland during that time. Also, I knew very little about Christmas yule lads, so it really felt like I was learning about that legend through the characters' eyes. Above all, I appreciated how the faith content frequently mentions the true meaning of Christmas: celebrating Jesus' birth.
The characters are wonderful - I literally enjoyed all of them! Tatiana is great, little Elea is so sweet, and Anders is adorable with his slightly awkward personality. And that clean romance?? SO GOOD. I loved the character development too. This story is packed with strong themes of hope and family.
I'd definitely recommend this as a sweet, cozy Christmas read! And, even though this story wraps up with no cliffhangers, I'm eagerly hoping we'll get to see these characters again in future stories!
*Content to note*
Discussions of past miscarriages/grieving mother/fears of another failed pregnancy. Many mentions of yule lads (Icelandic Christmas legend treated similarly to Santa).
December 22, 2025
Quite possibly my favorite read of this entire year!!
Such a wonderfully cozy book! These characters are on a mission to conquer the Christmas book flood. And I didn't want to miss a single second of the suspense! I loved learning about the publishing house's internal workings. And all about Iceland during World War II. Also, I adore Tatiana's character-- a very bookish girl after my own heart.
Overall, I enjoyed this book sooooo much. It was entirely too short. Wish it could have gone on and on and on. Maybe we could get a sequel showing what takes place in the next Christmas book floods to come, after this story ends.
Also, I need this story as a movie!!
I would recommend this to anyone who is a BOOK LOVER.
Such a wonderfully cozy book! These characters are on a mission to conquer the Christmas book flood. And I didn't want to miss a single second of the suspense! I loved learning about the publishing house's internal workings. And all about Iceland during World War II. Also, I adore Tatiana's character-- a very bookish girl after my own heart.
Overall, I enjoyed this book sooooo much. It was entirely too short. Wish it could have gone on and on and on. Maybe we could get a sequel showing what takes place in the next Christmas book floods to come, after this story ends.
Also, I need this story as a movie!!
I would recommend this to anyone who is a BOOK LOVER.
December 11, 2025
Sweet little Christmas novella set in Iceland. I've actually never read a book set in Iceland and it was interesting reading the names of the people and places, and reading about the holiday traditions. Although it was quite different reading about the pagan traditions of trolls leading up to the birth of Christ, there was a sliver of Christian faith based content. I really loved the main characters Anders and Tatiana, and appreciated the journey of healing Anders walked through in this story. Unique read for sure!
December 18, 2025
Sweet and sappy. An enjoyable story in Iceland for Christmas.
December 20, 2025
I loved this story! A book about a wonderful bookish tradition, likable characters and the sweetest romance, all set at Christmas conspire to make this a perfect read!
December 15, 2025
I went into this audiobook really excited. I have heard so much about the Icelandic Christmas, and reading about its origins sounded wonderful. I felt like this book started strong and got lost. It started out about the Christmas Book Flood and ended up meandering through family issues and a quick romance, and dropped most of the interesting historical aspect to pursue those them.
While not a bad story, it just was underwhelming and didn't deliver what I was hoping for.
Content notes: A quick, rather shallow romance. A side character has experienced multiple miscarriages and is concerned about losing another baby.
While not a bad story, it just was underwhelming and didn't deliver what I was hoping for.
Content notes: A quick, rather shallow romance. A side character has experienced multiple miscarriages and is concerned about losing another baby.
November 25, 2025
Beautiful Christmas story! I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this charming bookish story, inspired by a true event and set in Iceland during WWII. Tatiana Eliasdottir hopes to give her niece Elea, who is coming to stay with her, a a happy Christmas. Tatiana works at her uncle's publishing house and is able to bring her niece to work. In a time of war shortages, books are not rationed in Iceland, and so the first issue of a special book catalog is wildly successful. The publishing house is flooded with orders. "Icelanders are eager to give their loved ones something that isn’t rationed, and books are the perfect solution to their dilemma."
Anders Johannsson is a highly esteemed editor, and children's book author and illustrator at the publishing house. Little does he know that he is editing stories written by Tatiana under a different name. As the two try to help Elea shed her worries about home and get into the Christmas spirit, "Tatiana finds herself increasingly drawn to kind, thoughtful Anders" and Elea notices. She is so cute in her teasing.
What a sweet story wrapped around this historical event. I could not put it down. I loved reading about the people of Iceland their Christmas traditions, Islandic tales, and customs. Their reading on Christmas eve makes me excited to put up my tree, and read by the fireplace.
On a personal note, I had just been down a rabbit hole with genealogy research as well as finding and visiting the graves of my great grandparents. One of them is a Gunnar (also Elea's father), and Tatiana's last name is similar to some of my ancestors (with the 'son' or 'dottir' at the end). Loved it!
I highly recommend this delightful Christmas novella, you don't want to miss it!
Anders Johannsson is a highly esteemed editor, and children's book author and illustrator at the publishing house. Little does he know that he is editing stories written by Tatiana under a different name. As the two try to help Elea shed her worries about home and get into the Christmas spirit, "Tatiana finds herself increasingly drawn to kind, thoughtful Anders" and Elea notices. She is so cute in her teasing.
What a sweet story wrapped around this historical event. I could not put it down. I loved reading about the people of Iceland their Christmas traditions, Islandic tales, and customs. Their reading on Christmas eve makes me excited to put up my tree, and read by the fireplace.
On a personal note, I had just been down a rabbit hole with genealogy research as well as finding and visiting the graves of my great grandparents. One of them is a Gunnar (also Elea's father), and Tatiana's last name is similar to some of my ancestors (with the 'son' or 'dottir' at the end). Loved it!
I highly recommend this delightful Christmas novella, you don't want to miss it!
December 9, 2025
What a lovely Christmas read! I feel like many of the historical Christmas books I read every year are set in historical England or the US, so it was super refreshing to read something set in a different country.
This book is set in WWII Iceland, a country that was occupied by the Allied forces during the war. I’ve always had a soft spot for Icelandic culture, so it was interesting to get a glimpse at their Christmas traditions.
I’d wondered how one would write an entire novella around the “Christmas book flood” tradition, but I should know by know that Roseanna White doesn’t do shallow stories and it would be about so much more than that. I loved how this story was ultimately about family. Tatiana’s sister and brother-in-law were having some health struggles, so she took in her niece for Christmas to both help them be able to rest, and to give her niece a good Christmas when her parents were unable to. It was so sweet to see them find joy in the season again together.
Meanwhile, Anders was an artistic soul who felt underappreciated or even ignored by his fishing family. I loved how Tatiana’s new perspective in his life helped shed a new light on his relationships and reveal that his family actually always loved and deeply appreciated his art, they just don’t express their emotions as easily as he does.
Overall, this was truly a delight to read at Christmas time, and I will absolutely return to it in future years!
Content Advisory:
Language:
None.
Violence/Scariness:
None. This is set in the WWII era during the Allies’ occupation of Iceland. There is some passing talk of the war, but no war violence occurs during the story.
Sexual/Romance:
Very sweet, chaste romance between a man and woman. They note each other’s attractive physical appearance, but their love for each other is much more about personality and personal values. A kiss is described in emotional terms. They hold hands a few times.
Spiritual:
This is Christian fiction. Many of the characters are followers of Christ, and celebrate Jesus’s birth at Christmas time.
The story addresses how and why a Christian writer would feel okay writing fantasy tales featuring mythical figures and gods from Scandinavian folklore. (Anders explains that he thinks it’s important to understand why our ancestors believed what they did, and understand why things changed and why be believe something different now. He also wishes to use his fiction examine the legends of the past and rewrite them to pull out the grains of truth that ultimately point to the real God.)
In Iceland, they don’t do Santa Clause, they do the Yule Lads. Tatiana acknowledges to her young niece who no longer believes in the Yule Lads that it’s not about them being real, it’s about the fun and the memories we make with friends and families around the traditions we share.
Other:
Some talk and dealing with how Tatiana’s sister has suffered quite a few miscarriages and everyone is fearful about her current pregnancy.
This book is set in WWII Iceland, a country that was occupied by the Allied forces during the war. I’ve always had a soft spot for Icelandic culture, so it was interesting to get a glimpse at their Christmas traditions.
I’d wondered how one would write an entire novella around the “Christmas book flood” tradition, but I should know by know that Roseanna White doesn’t do shallow stories and it would be about so much more than that. I loved how this story was ultimately about family. Tatiana’s sister and brother-in-law were having some health struggles, so she took in her niece for Christmas to both help them be able to rest, and to give her niece a good Christmas when her parents were unable to. It was so sweet to see them find joy in the season again together.
Meanwhile, Anders was an artistic soul who felt underappreciated or even ignored by his fishing family. I loved how Tatiana’s new perspective in his life helped shed a new light on his relationships and reveal that his family actually always loved and deeply appreciated his art, they just don’t express their emotions as easily as he does.
Overall, this was truly a delight to read at Christmas time, and I will absolutely return to it in future years!
Content Advisory:
Language:
None.
Violence/Scariness:
None. This is set in the WWII era during the Allies’ occupation of Iceland. There is some passing talk of the war, but no war violence occurs during the story.
Sexual/Romance:
Very sweet, chaste romance between a man and woman. They note each other’s attractive physical appearance, but their love for each other is much more about personality and personal values. A kiss is described in emotional terms. They hold hands a few times.
Spiritual:
This is Christian fiction. Many of the characters are followers of Christ, and celebrate Jesus’s birth at Christmas time.
The story addresses how and why a Christian writer would feel okay writing fantasy tales featuring mythical figures and gods from Scandinavian folklore. (Anders explains that he thinks it’s important to understand why our ancestors believed what they did, and understand why things changed and why be believe something different now. He also wishes to use his fiction examine the legends of the past and rewrite them to pull out the grains of truth that ultimately point to the real God.)
In Iceland, they don’t do Santa Clause, they do the Yule Lads. Tatiana acknowledges to her young niece who no longer believes in the Yule Lads that it’s not about them being real, it’s about the fun and the memories we make with friends and families around the traditions we share.
Other:
Some talk and dealing with how Tatiana’s sister has suffered quite a few miscarriages and everyone is fearful about her current pregnancy.
November 4, 2025
It’s hard not to love a book that’s all about books!
December 21, 2025
This book really swept me off my feet. Don’t be fooled by the short length—it’s an expertly-paced story with rich, delightful characters, gorgeous descriptions, and beautiful wisdom and insight. It had me grinning from ear to ear at some moments, sighing with deep delight at others, and even tearing up, too. A lovely, lovely read for a winter evening.
November 23, 2025
The Christmas Book Flood was such an enjoyable novella!
Now I want to participate in Jolabokaflod, (Christmas book flood) an Icelandic tradition where you exchange books on Christmas Eve and spend the evening reading them.
This novella is so fun! I loved the Christmasy feel of the story, all the bookishness of it, the Icelandic Christmas legends, and the characters and the sweet romance!
The authors note/historical note was interesting to read too!
I just wish this book was available in paperback so I could add it to my shelves!
Now I want to participate in Jolabokaflod, (Christmas book flood) an Icelandic tradition where you exchange books on Christmas Eve and spend the evening reading them.
This novella is so fun! I loved the Christmasy feel of the story, all the bookishness of it, the Icelandic Christmas legends, and the characters and the sweet romance!
The authors note/historical note was interesting to read too!
I just wish this book was available in paperback so I could add it to my shelves!
December 4, 2025
Story Enjoyment Rating: 9/10 Christian Faith Rating: 2.5/3
The Christmas Book Flood by Rosanna M. White is a historical Christian fiction novella released this year. Although it’s technically a novella, it’s slightly longer than many you might read, while still being shorter than a typical full-length historical novel. The story is set in Iceland in 1944, during the Second World War, at a time when American forces were occupying the country and using it as a military base. It follows Tatiana, who works in the mailroom or administrative side of a publishing company, and Anders, one of the editors. The publishing companies come up with the idea of creating a Christmas book catalogue so that people can still enjoy gifting books during a season when presents are otherwise difficult to come by.
Tatiana has long harboured feelings for Anders, though the two have kept their distance and quietly admired one another from afar. Around the same time, Tatiana’s sister asks if her daughter, Ellie, can come and stay with her for Christmas due to difficulties at home. Wanting her niece to have a happy and peaceful Christmas, Tatiana agrees and finds herself caring for Ellie throughout the season.
The novel blends romance with themes of family, personal growth, and healing from past pain, with the Christmas book flood happening at the same time. It also includes details of Icelandic culture and Advent traditions, including references to different trolls and folklore, which I found fascinating as it’s a European culture I wasn’t familiar with. I especially loved the romance, the family relationships, and the way both characters work through past hurts and insecurities as they grow closer over Christmas.
The story does touch on some heavier themes in the background, including Tatiana’s sister experiencing miscarriages, a threatened pregnancy, and depression. But these elements didn’t the book or make it too heavy. Both main characters share a Christian faith, which is explored throughout the story and tied into the meaning of Christmas.
The Christmas Book Flood by Rosanna M. White is a historical Christian fiction novella released this year. Although it’s technically a novella, it’s slightly longer than many you might read, while still being shorter than a typical full-length historical novel. The story is set in Iceland in 1944, during the Second World War, at a time when American forces were occupying the country and using it as a military base. It follows Tatiana, who works in the mailroom or administrative side of a publishing company, and Anders, one of the editors. The publishing companies come up with the idea of creating a Christmas book catalogue so that people can still enjoy gifting books during a season when presents are otherwise difficult to come by.
Tatiana has long harboured feelings for Anders, though the two have kept their distance and quietly admired one another from afar. Around the same time, Tatiana’s sister asks if her daughter, Ellie, can come and stay with her for Christmas due to difficulties at home. Wanting her niece to have a happy and peaceful Christmas, Tatiana agrees and finds herself caring for Ellie throughout the season.
The novel blends romance with themes of family, personal growth, and healing from past pain, with the Christmas book flood happening at the same time. It also includes details of Icelandic culture and Advent traditions, including references to different trolls and folklore, which I found fascinating as it’s a European culture I wasn’t familiar with. I especially loved the romance, the family relationships, and the way both characters work through past hurts and insecurities as they grow closer over Christmas.
The story does touch on some heavier themes in the background, including Tatiana’s sister experiencing miscarriages, a threatened pregnancy, and depression. But these elements didn’t the book or make it too heavy. Both main characters share a Christian faith, which is explored throughout the story and tied into the meaning of Christmas.
December 23, 2025
The Christmas Book Flood was my first foray into Roseanna M. White’s body of work, but it absolutely won’t be my last. This novella was a delight from the very first page, a love letter to those who love literature and yearn to share that love with others. The characters, Tatiana and Anders and Elea and the rest, were an absolute joy. The 1944 Icelandic setting was enchanting. And I loved how faith so naturally permeated the story through its characters and the vital importance of their prayer lives.
Tatiana and Anders are bursting with charm and personality. I fell in love with them both. Especially Anders. He was sweetly, endearingly awkward, and it was easy to see why children simply adored him. I adored him myself! Their love story was a breath of fresh air, a wholesome blooming of a long-established friendship into something both had longed for but had refused to act upon in fear of harming that friendship. And their bond over stories as well as their shared faith lent their relationship an additional depth that resonated.
I loved this look into the foundations of the Jólabókaflóð, the Christmas Book Flood of Iceland that established a tradition still beloved by its nation, one that has charmed the world in recent years as we seek to emulate it. I was also completely fascinated by White’s deep dive into the fables and folklore soaking Icelandic Christmas traditions. It’s amazing how very differently we can celebrate the same holiday, depending on where (and when) you are in the world!
The Christmas Book Flood is a holiday hug of a book. It’s one that I desperately hope will be available in a physical edition someday. Because not only would I appreciate having a paperback on my own shelf to revisit, I would love to be able to have multiple copies wrapped under my tree to give to the people I cherish, in hopes of starting our own book flood tradition.
Tatiana and Anders are bursting with charm and personality. I fell in love with them both. Especially Anders. He was sweetly, endearingly awkward, and it was easy to see why children simply adored him. I adored him myself! Their love story was a breath of fresh air, a wholesome blooming of a long-established friendship into something both had longed for but had refused to act upon in fear of harming that friendship. And their bond over stories as well as their shared faith lent their relationship an additional depth that resonated.
I loved this look into the foundations of the Jólabókaflóð, the Christmas Book Flood of Iceland that established a tradition still beloved by its nation, one that has charmed the world in recent years as we seek to emulate it. I was also completely fascinated by White’s deep dive into the fables and folklore soaking Icelandic Christmas traditions. It’s amazing how very differently we can celebrate the same holiday, depending on where (and when) you are in the world!
The Christmas Book Flood is a holiday hug of a book. It’s one that I desperately hope will be available in a physical edition someday. Because not only would I appreciate having a paperback on my own shelf to revisit, I would love to be able to have multiple copies wrapped under my tree to give to the people I cherish, in hopes of starting our own book flood tradition.
October 12, 2025
Delightful look at a bookish Christmas tradition!
December 1, 2025
A perfect heart-warming Christmas story!
December 9, 2025
I love Christmas books but this one was meh. I listened to the audiobook so maybe that played a part? I know it was a novella, but I just feel like the storylines were so rushed and the historical aspects of traditions/wartime were just thrown in to a hallmark type romance.
December 12, 2025
A love letter to stories and books wrapped in a sweet, cozy romance.
December 27, 2025
Basically what I was expecting. I just cannot get into romance/Christmas books. I really loved the history part of this book and wanted to learn more about Iceland during the world war and how books affected the country.
I felt like the characters could’ve gotten deeper and I didn’t really connect to them. It felt really fast and rushed.
I found myself rolling my eyes at the romance parts. That is to say, if you like romance and Christmas together, you would like to smoke. It was an easy lesson during a busy time.
💬𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/
I felt like the characters could’ve gotten deeper and I didn’t really connect to them. It felt really fast and rushed.
I found myself rolling my eyes at the romance parts. That is to say, if you like romance and Christmas together, you would like to smoke. It was an easy lesson during a busy time.
💬𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/
December 11, 2025
I NEED A FULL LENGTH NOVEL STARRING THESE CHARACTERS IMMEDIATELY!!! This will quite possibly end up becoming my favorite Christmas read of the year!
I loved the atmosphere and magical bookworm vibes that I found between these pages! Anders was an absolute dear! I loved him so much! He was so sweet and thoughtful and so unsure of himself in an endearing way! I also love Tatiana’s character and how confident yet gentle she was especially with Anders. They complemented each other SO WELL. And dear, sweet Elea! I love children in books and she was so fun and an absolute joy! I loved how she played a part in bringing Tatiana and Anders together!
Roseanna M. White has once more knocked it out of the park with a heartfelt story that chronicles a meaningful Icelandic tradition. Filled to the brim with a passionate love for books, a sweet romance, realistic family dynamics and an ending that had me in tears! One I’ll be returning to every year at Christmastime I’m sure!!!
I loved the atmosphere and magical bookworm vibes that I found between these pages! Anders was an absolute dear! I loved him so much! He was so sweet and thoughtful and so unsure of himself in an endearing way! I also love Tatiana’s character and how confident yet gentle she was especially with Anders. They complemented each other SO WELL. And dear, sweet Elea! I love children in books and she was so fun and an absolute joy! I loved how she played a part in bringing Tatiana and Anders together!
Roseanna M. White has once more knocked it out of the park with a heartfelt story that chronicles a meaningful Icelandic tradition. Filled to the brim with a passionate love for books, a sweet romance, realistic family dynamics and an ending that had me in tears! One I’ll be returning to every year at Christmastime I’m sure!!!
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