Best Heartwarming Books December 2024

The Keeper of Lost Things

Anthony Peardew, a once-successful author, has spent decades collecting lost objects, hoping to atone for a promise broken long ago. As his life nears its end, he entrusts his assistant Laura with the task of reuniting these treasures with their rightful owners. Struggling with her own broken heart, Laura finds unexpected solace in this peculiar mission. Through a tapestry of interconnected stories, Hogan weaves a charming tale of love, loss, and the power of seemingly insignificant objects to bridge the gaps between people. It’s a gentle reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope can be found in the most unlikely places.

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry

Elsa is seven, precocious, and utterly devoted to her eccentric grandmother. Their nightly adventures in a fantastical world of fairy tales are Elsa’s refuge from school bullies and her parents’ divorce. When her beloved granny dies, Elsa is left with a series of letters, each a quest to deliver an apology. As she embarks on this treasure hunt, Elsa uncovers the colorful, often painful stories of the quirky tenants in her apartment building, realizing that her grandmother’s imaginary world wasn’t so make-believe after all. A touching, whimsical tale of love, loss, and the power of storytelling.

Britt-Marie Was Here

Britt-Marie’s life has always been defined by order and routine. But when her world suddenly crumbles, she finds herself in the small town of Borg, reluctantly taking a job at the local youth center. As she navigates this unfamiliar terrain, Britt-Marie discovers a community that challenges her rigid beliefs and awakens long-dormant passions. With Backman’s signature warmth and humor, we follow Britt-Marie’s journey of self-discovery, learning that it’s never too late to start over and find your place in the world. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.

Firefly Lane

In “Firefly Lane,” Kristin Hannah weaves a poignant tale of friendship that spans decades. Tully and Kate, inseparable since adolescence, navigate life’s twists and turns together. From wild teenage years to the challenges of adulthood, their bond remains unbreakable. Hannah’s vivid prose brings their world to life, evoking nostalgia and tugging at heartstrings. As I turned each page, I found myself reflecting on my own friendships, laughing and crying along with these unforgettable characters.

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane

In the misty mountains of Yunnan, young Li-yan’s life is steeped in tradition and tea. As she comes of age, she grapples with her Akha heritage and the lure of the modern world. A heart-wrenching decision sets her on an unexpected path, intertwining her fate with that of a baby girl across the ocean. Through the aromatic lens of Pu’er tea, See weaves a tale of mothers and daughters, bridging cultures and continents. It’s a story that lingers, like the last sip of a perfect brew.

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

A.J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his life over–and see everything anew. This heartwarming tale reminds us of the joy of connecting with others through books, and how love can bloom in the most unexpected places.

The House in the Cerulean Sea

Linus Baker, a by-the-book caseworker, finds his orderly world turned upside down when he’s sent to investigate an orphanage on a remote island. There, he meets six extraordinary children and their enigmatic caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. As Linus uncovers the island’s secrets, he discovers a family unlike any other and a love he never expected. This heartwarming tale of found family and acceptance will leave you misty-eyed and smiling, reminding us all that home is where you make it.

A Man Called Ove

Meet Ove, a curmudgeonly widower whose world is upended when a boisterous young family moves in next door. Behind his cranky exterior lies a story of love, loss, and unexpected friendship. As Ove’s icy heart begins to thaw, he discovers that life is full of surprises, even when you least expect them. Backman’s touching tale reminds us that it’s never too late to start anew and that sometimes, the most unlikely people can change our lives forever.

Before We Were Strangers

Fate intervenes when two college sweethearts reconnect after fifteen years apart. Matt’s chance encounter with Grace on a New York subway platform reignites long-buried feelings and unanswered questions. As they navigate their shared past and uncertain future, memories of their passionate romance in college resurface, along with the pain of their abrupt separation. Through alternating timelines, we witness their youthful love and present-day struggles, exploring themes of missed opportunities, second chances, and the enduring power of first love. A poignant reminder that sometimes, the one who got away might just be the one you’re meant to find again.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Edward Tulane, a china rabbit, lives a life of luxury, adored by a little girl. But he’s cold-hearted and vain. When he’s lost at sea, Edward’s journey begins. Through the hands of many owners, he learns to love and be loved. Each encounter shapes him, from a hobo to a lonely boy. As Edward’s heart opens, he discovers the joy and pain of caring deeply. A tale of redemption and the transformative power of love, this story will touch readers of all ages.