The Christmas Book Flood + Giveaway

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.

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

My Review:

I’ve been putting off writing a review of The Christmas Book Flood because I can’t seem to find the words to express not only how much I enjoyed this story, but the impact it had on me as well.

I guess I’ll start by saying it’s an epic Christmas tale destined to become a traditional read every year in my house. I’m still living with these characters a week later. In fact, I keep playing complete scenes over again in my mind and I remember so many delightful little details. To say I’m enamoured with this Christmas novella would be an understatement!

First, I’ve been totally captivated with Iceland’s book flood (Jolabokaflod) tradition since I heard about it a few years ago, so to find a story set in the year it started…well, talk about sending me into a bookish tizzy fit! And White’s talent for including historical and regional details in her stories is brilliantly done here. In particular, some epic Icelandic Christmas traditions elevated the story to a whole other level. So many rich details that completely charmed me.

And Anders! Be still my heart – a bookish hero! A rather shy and awkward one at that. And Tatiana with a delicious secret and a sweet little niece to care for over Christmas…and a secret crush on Anders. (Pssst, that crush is not one-sided!) And who can resist the romantic setting of a publishing house? Eeeepppp!!!! Not me!

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Talon David and, oh my goodness, she does an incredible job with these characters! And I appreciated hearing the Icelandic words and phrases pronounced correctly. Really brought authenticity to the storytelling and made the listen extra special.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Sadly, the book isn’t available in print anywhere as far as I can tell. 😦

US – available in ebook — winner’s choice

Canada –ebook or audible — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Christmas Book Flood, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 18 2025

44 thoughts on “The Christmas Book Flood + Giveaway”

  2. I love books that I talk about how , authors, get their ideas. . How ideas are formed into books and then there is the Publishing side of things. Its just as fascinating Thank you for your review. I appreciate all you do

    nora finding hope yahoo

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    1. I love her books too. Still have to read her other new release – another bookish themed one too! Are you in the draw for a keeper shelf copy, Sandy, even though you have a copy from Libby?

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  5. I love the idea of a mix of characters and looking at a story from their point of view. How fun to imagine Christmas with hidden wonderment. From the niece to the uncle and his employees inbetween, add books, voila! Kathleen lanehillhouse(at)gmail(dot)com

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  7. You’re right, it looks like it isn’t in print anywhere! I guess I should quit searching the library catalogue for it every few days, as I’ve been doing for over a month. A reason to be even more thankful than usual for your giveaways!

    rdalquist AT gmail DOT com

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  10. I LOVE Christmas books, and this new book of Roseanna’s sounds sooo good. I’ve never read a book where the setting is in Iceland, so that makes it even more intriguing! It’s interesting that Roseanna says on her website that this book will only be available digitally and in audiobook. Usually, you can always get them in print copy. Either way, I’m excited to read this book! Thanks for your tantalizing review, Kav!

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      1. This was my first Iceland book too which was lots of fun. I’m wondering if it’s the cost of making a print book that had the publisher decide to go this route? Too bad because that cover is gorgeous. Good luck, Alison!

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  13. I like the rather unique storyline that Roseanna White has chosen in this novella.   I never thought of gift giving during a war with severe rations.  I did check her website and confirmed that it is only an e- book or audio.  Maybe because it’s fairly short @ 175 pages? Books definitely have gone up in price.  I didn’t know that Tyndale Publishing did that!

    perrianne (DOT) askew ( AT) me ( DOT) com

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    1. It’s the first time I’ve noticed opting out of a print book from a publisher anyway. Indies often do that. ah well, the audio book was excellent so I’m happy. 🙂 Good luck, Perrianne!

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  14. I’ve been intrigued by this tradition ever since I began seeing the memes on Facebook some years ago. I love that Roseanna has turned this Icelandic tradition into a novella. I’d love to have a kindle version of it. Thanks for the opportunity!

    Karen R. (kcrhoadesATroadrunnerDOTcom)

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  15. A book that makes you pause before you can put your thoughts together into a review, must be a good one! I look forward to reading this.

    dmandres5 at gmail dot com

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  16. A new and quite different book setting written by a long time favorite!
    Is it just me, or are we seeing even more changes in the book publishing industry, be it corporate or indy endeavors?

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    1. I do too. Still have to read her lates WWII release — the banned books one. Oh, and now I remember she has a fantasy series too. Ack, I thought I was almost caught up! Good luck, Connie!

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