The Christmas Book Flood

by Roseanna M. White, Talon David (Narrator)

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

Genres: Christmas, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Novella, Fiction

Audible Audio

First published October 1, 2025

About the author

Roseanna 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

Reviews

[Bella Raine · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 ✨

[Anne (In Search of Wonder) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Angela Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iceland 1944

Sweet Christmas novella. I learned some interesting things about Iceland during WWII and about Iceland as a country.

[Miriam Simut · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75/5 ... I was quite underwhelmed by the writing and characters... not the story for me unfortunately.

[Emily Waits (emilylovesreading_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“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!

[Tarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Parkland Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
Completed: Nov. 18/25
Format: audiobook borrow (Everand)
Narrator: Talon David - her best narration ever

Book #155 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.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Scott Rezer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and sappy. An enjoyable story in Iceland for Christmas.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Joy Tiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard not to love a book that’s all about books!

[RebekahAshleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[E.F. Buckles · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. She and the baby are okay in the end.

[Lou Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rachelle Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful look at a bookish Christmas tradition!

[Robin Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect heart-warming Christmas story!

[Caitlyn Millet · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A love letter to stories and books wrapped in a sweet, cozy romance.

[Jorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story and I loved every bit of it. The only thing I didn’t like was that it wasn’t longer 😂 I absolutely would have loved a full length novel about Tatiana and Anders and the whole cast of characters! The precious love story (clean, with only a couple kisses), the reminder of the Greatest Gift given through Jesus being born, and the lessons of family being so important and being willing to give grace to family, were all wonderfully written.

Yes, as someone pointed out in another review, the romance storyline could be defined as “rushed” but it’s a novella ~ I wasn’t expecting a long drawn out romance and would have actually been irritated if I had to have waited until the very end to see that romance spark! So yes, the romance kicks in fairly early on but, again, it’s a novella….which means space is limited to get things moving!

I think the author did an amazing job packing SO much beautiful story into this novella! And I loved her author note at the end sharing more about Icelandic traditions and the history of the country during WWII.

If you want a sweet, cozy, Christmas novella to enjoy this season then absolutely give this a read! It’s going to go into my yearly Christmas read rotation for sure.

[Camille Mosemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful Christmas story that will please every bookish heart. I loved this fictional visit to Iceland, learning about the traditions that are based upon Iceland's legends.The story centers around the tradition of giving books on Christmas Eve, beginning during WWII when books were one of the few items not rationed during the war. What a charming and cozy way to spend a long winter night, wrapped up in a blanket and enjoying a good read.

This is also a story of family and resolving misunderstandings. One of finding acceptance and love. With Ms. White's expert attention to historical detail and a slight faith thread woven throughout, readers will find this story a refreshing escape during a busy holiday season.

[Mikayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book. I mean, it's about an Iclandic Christmas, which I think is epic. It's got sweet characters, and the audiobook narrorator was epic. my problem? Everything changed on a dime. I mean, they were building up all these problems, then boom! One flirty conversation and everything completely changes. (Makes you wonder why she didn't just flirt with him ealier). They don't have any problems, or hiccups. Once the floodgates of their affection were open, even major secret are squared away with kisses. I think this would have made a good novel, but compressing it down make it all to fast for people who had apparently been interested in each other for four years to suddenly just go all the way to wanting to be married in life a week.

[Abby · Rating 2 out of 5]

That was… anti-climactic.
It was just boring, no tense scenes, no slow burn, nothing of the sort. It felt all content and happy for the most part. Maybe I’ve just received brain damage after reading so many books with characters who have dark pasts and terrifying problems as I have fallen in love with those particular tropes 😂
And it was only available in audiobook and ebook so that is already a problem unto itself.
I can’t believe I’m rating a RMW book this low. Since so many others have left me sprawled on the floor laugh-sobbing.
What has the world come to when I rate a RMW book this low? This is tragic, devastating, I will never not mourn this loss…
Okay folks, that was your daily humor with a bit of truth buried in the sarcasm.
2/5 ⭐️😭

[Eunice Song · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Book Flood is the perfect sweet Christmas novella for book lovers! It talks about the origins of the Icelandic tradition of Jolabokaflod during WWII when books were the primary Christmas gift since paper was not rationed like so much else during that time. I loved learning the Icelandic traditions and the meaningfulness behind The Christmas Book Flood. It’s a beautiful, heartwarming story!