Christmas With The Elf King: A Cozy Christmas Fantasy

by Lenore Stutznegger

A Deal with the Elf King meets a Hallmark Christmas Movie in this cozy romantic fantasy featuring a handsome brooding Elf King, a quirky human baker, and delightful baking magic.

They said the Elf King had lived a thousand years. They said he was the most beautiful creature anyone had ever beheld. They said he took whatever he wanted. And Noelle was no exception.

For six hundred years, the elves have taken human masters of craft and maidens back to the Undying Lands of Ravensong as part of an uneasy treaty between human and elf. To be chosen is seen as a gift, as the families are richly rewarded. But to Noelle Baker, it is a curse. She wants only to bake all of her Christmas favorites with her family, until the Elf King comes for her.

Forced to leave her family behind and bake for the cold yet frustratingly handsome king, Noelle is thrust into a world of strange elven magic where she learns of a curse on the land. Infected by this shade curse, Noelle must hone her new baking magic to cure the dying land before it takes her life and the life of the king her heart is beginning to thaw toward.

Genres: Fantasy, Christmas, Cozy Fantasy, Romance, Cozy, Romantasy, Adult

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 21, 2025

About the author

Lenore grew up running barefoot in the woods of Virginia with a dog at her side, five crazy siblings, and creative parents. She learned from a young age to hone her talents in art, trust in her voice, and compete for the most marshmallows in “Lucky Charms”. She graduated from Brigham Young University in Visual Art, married the love of her life, and now resides in Northern California with her handyman husband, four spirited children, a golden retriever, two cats, and backyard chickens in a new kind of crazy paradise. Lenore loves all things fantastical. Supernatural and humor play equal parts in everything she writes. She is an avid baker and Christmas bakes are her favorite of all.

Reviews

[Maggie - Busy Moms Read Too]

This is the perfect cozy and whimsical Christmas fantasy that’s suitable for both YA and adults! I loved the baking and food, the worlds of humans and elves mixing, and the goal of spreading Christmas cheer while on a journey to save the kingdom.

Content: Kissing and attraction, loss of loved ones, mild violence and injuries, magic and curses (Over all mild)

[Vaishali · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked this up because of the glowing reviews and because it's Christmas season. Was expecting a cozy romantasy- what I got was a very vanilla romance (this is an overstatement) + mercurial leads+ non existent chemistry + shoddy writing + repetitive statements.

I would have loved a feisty heroine who had more belief in her ability, lesser use of the word 'male', tighter editing, better character development, alternative povs and fleshed out chemistry.
This one did not work for me despite the wonderful plot.

[costitanza (onetoomanybooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve finished reading it now, and it’s without a doubt a 5-star read — easily one of my new Christmas favourites. The vibes? Immaculate. The flirting? Perfection. The coziness? Off the charts.
By the end, I genuinely wished this book had a movie adaptation because every scene plays out so vividly in your mind. And as a LOTR fan, I was absolutely destined to fall head over heels for this story.

✨ Add it to your TBR if you love:
🎄 LOTR vibes
❄️ He falls first
🎄 Enchanted library
❄️ Christmas magic
🎄 Found family
❄️ Snowball fights
🎄 Baking magic
❄️ Traveling across a magical elven realm
🎄 Only one bed (of course)

[Tairen Soul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas With The Elf King by Lenore Stutznegger is the perfect cozy romantasy for the chilling winter season.

Elden and Noelle’s story was so much fun to read with all the whimsical Christmas vibes. The story had the perfect heaping of adventure, elves, and magic. I loved every page of this book and could easily see re-reading every year as a bookish Christmas tradition.

The realm and characters were beautifully described and well written and I just loved the baking aspect of the story - it really added an extra spoonful of magic. The slow-burn romance between Elden and Noelle was so sweet it really tied everything together and made this book a favorite of mine.

If you are wanting something warm and cozy to read for this holiday season while you sip hot-cocoa and munch on gingerbread men then Christmas With The Elf King is a must-read holiday romance that will have you wishing you were spending your own Christmas with the Elves.

[Celeste]

"He looked young [...] he seemed to be close to my age. Eighteen, maybe nineteen"
ew, that's a baby.

Maybe I was delulu-ing too close to the sun but when I read "Elf King" I thought I would get a Thranduil-looking dilf ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like a holiday pastry: familiar, sweet, and warm.

[AshleysReadingRoom · Rating 5 out of 5]

They said he was the most beautiful creature anyone had ever beheld. They said he took whatever he wanted.

That’s why today, when the last leaf fell, I was to hide away while the other girls were primped and painted.

Christmas with the Elf King is such a cute holiday read for cozy fantasy lovers! This was very Beauty and the Beast meets a Hallmark Christmas movie with a sprinkle of adventure from LOTR.

This book follows Noelle, who was taken from her home by the Elf King and brought to the Undying Lands of Ravensong. She quickly learns that there is a curse upon the lands and that she herself has magic. Only problem is she does not know how to use it or what causes it to work---sometimes. It could very well be the cure to this dying land and finding herself now infected by the curse, she must work diligently with the elf king.

What you Can Expect:
📖Cozy Fantasy with a Holiday Setting
📖Sweet Treats
📖Curse
📖Unexpected Love
📖Fairytale Vibes

I would also like to add that I normally do not like the inclusion of children in books. Just a preference, especially when they make so many appearances, but for this particular book I thought it added an extra bit of magic to the story. I loved all the little ones we met throughout the book.

[sarah_bbgr · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ I went in expecting this to be somewhat ridiculous, and boy, did it deliver. The author does a great job painting visuals of the castles and elven world, but beyond that, everything else was lacking. The journey at the center of the story worked far better for me than the "at home" scenes at the beginning & end, but my biggest complaint is the writing itself. FAR too many uses of certain words (namely "male" & "reticule"), the obvious nods to LotR were cringe, and the clear stealing of the confession-to-my-parent moment from Pride & Prejudice was a huge eye-roll. Repetitive, overly simplistic, and occasionally just wrong (either grammatically or syntactically)...Hallmark vibes reviews are accurate. And the sudden, giant conflict that's immediately resolved with Sam at the end? Entirely too contrived. ALL THAT being said, it delivers on some (somewhat forced) Christmassy vibes and baking coziness - I just think it could've been developed into something much more.

[Morgan the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOTR meets pride and prejudice and ACOTAR in this whimsical, cosy and lighthearted Romantasy.

This will make you want to order one of everything at your local bakery and will absolutely get you in the Christmas spirit.

This is a sweet romance and storyline of hope and love and bringing together Elves and humans at Christmas time. There is nothing that jumps out at you but follows a natural storyline that although predictable still enjoyable.

I was thrown back into the Elven world pictured when reading LOTR.

I read this over two days and could not put it down.

[Jaimes_Mystical_Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful, cozy romantasy book! I loved following Noelle and Elden in this story as Noelle was taken from her small village and into the elf lands. I loved the entire cast of characters and overall storyline of this book. Christmas With The Elf King had me smiling throughout the story and rooting for the characters. I absolutely loved every second of this book and I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Read this if you like:

📖 Cozy romantasy
📖 Baker FMC
📖 Elf king MMC
📖 Found Family
📖 Christmas
📖 Sweet Romance

Thank you to the author for the gifted arc.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas with the Elf King by Lenore Stutznegger is like snuggling in a warm blanket with a cup of hot cocoa warming next to a fireplace among friends. The characters are adorable, and you can’t help but fall in love with them. This story warms the soul. The dynamic and chemistry between the MCs drew me in, and I loved their interactions. In addition, everything they had to endure and overcome pulled on those heartstrings. It has a great and engaging plot. I really enjoyed the read.

[Melissa Fratti · Rating 2 out of 5]

I once wrote a story in my Creative Writing class in high school — I forgot what the assignment was, but we all wrote a short story. Mine obviously was about two best friends who ended up realizing they love each other. She went out to party, got roofied, he saved her, and they fell in love. I remember finding the story in my folder years ago and I reread it, and man, was it criiiinge. The writing was so cheesy, so obvious, so “high school.”

This is what that felt like.

[Nightangel_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book had me laughing, kicking my feet, and crying. The love conquers all trope worked so well in this story, especially with it being a Christmas romance. It is a slow burn and there isn’t any spice, but don’t let that stop you from reading it. I love that we get to see Noelle go from this angry (I mean rightfully so) grieving girl to a loving and understanding person who has found who she is meant to be and has harnessed her magic as well as melted the ice on the elf kings heart. The side characters were lovable and the absolute sweetest people, and the way every place they traveled was described I could see it so vividly in my mind. I definitely recommend this book

[María Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was truly so enchanting ✨ it felt like a cozy hallmark christmas movie in the best way but make it fantasy with humans and elves 🤭 it was like drinking a warm cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows on top ☕️❄️

i truly loved the small festivities woven in like the mistletoe, the baking 🍪 and the joy of simply being surrounded by people you love ❤️ the found family element was so heartwarming 💌 and it made this feel like the perfect cozy christmas escape 🎄🎁

[Christina’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

Sometimes you want a fantasy without the crazy 5 book series so this is just a refreshing read that is PERFECT for the holidays!! ❄️🌲🧝‍♂️

It’s LOTR vibes and very sweet romance. I believe it’s required to have cozy blankets, fuzzy socks, and hot chocolate while reading. Trust me, it gets you in the right vibe lol

Also this cover just gives me feels of those classic Christmas/winter stories I read as a child. So beautiful! I want a print lol

[Tiffany Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great and cozy read!! My first ever fantasy Christmas book and wow it was so good! For readers who used to (or still do) read lord of the rings fanfics or simply love Tolkiens Elves, this book is up your alley!
Nickname: Little Baker 🥰🍞🥐
Lots of: 🥰🥰😍😄🤩🥺🥐🎄🥯☕️

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweet little holiday romance

Clearly inspired by a love of holiday baking & Lord of the Rings. This was a very sweet fantasy romance mixed with all the Christmas magic. No spice.

[Isabel Heslin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful Christmas vibes and a compelling story, I really enjoyed this!

[Esther Rudegeair-delgado · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking to pick up a cozy YA Christmas fantasy book this is the one!
It felt like a cross between Beauty and the Beast and a Hallmark movie with a hot Elf King!
The writing style was very atmospheric and perfect for the winter season. The yummy desserts and warm dishes will leave you craving all the traditional holiday snacks! But beyond that I felt like this was a classic true love conquers all in the most wholesome way.

[Sadie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, cozy, Christmas story

This was a sweet and cozy Christmas romance! I really enjoyed the story and the creativity! Also the cover is stunning!

[Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cozy, sweet, and so festive. I liked the characters- Noelle was very passionate about baking and, as someone who doesn’t bake, I enjoyed reading about her whole process. It took me a minute to warm up to the elf king (he’s a Thranduil look-alike) but I liked him by the end. It was so cute to watch them fall for each other. Overall I think my favorite part of this book was the Christmasy atmosphere set in a Rivendell-like kingdom.

If you’re looking for a sweet love story filled with holiday baking and Christmas cheer, this book will be right up your alley.

*Thanks to the author for the ARC

[Sammithenerd Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this perfect cosy romantasy.
Every year the Elf King takes back Craftsmen and a maiden and this year he has chosen baker Noelle. She hates the king and thinks he takes them for his own selfish use until she gets to know him and that there is a blight on the land that they must cure together.

I love the world building as they go on their quest for the cure. The coziness sinks into your soul and you can almost smell Noelle’s baking. There is enough action to keep you entranced and I think is the perfect balance.

Highly recommend this read

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas with the Elf King is exactly what I hope for when I pick up a holiday romance: charming, cozy, and filled with festive magic. The blend of fantasy elements with a Christmas-centric plot makes this a fun, heart-warming read. It’s like curling up with a Hallmark movie that has a little extra sparkle.

I loved the overall vibe of this story. The world felt whimsical and seasonal, the ambiance was wonderfully cozy, and the beloved tropes (enemies-to-lovers, one bed, so on) delivered everything I wanted from a holiday romance. It’s the kind of book that’s perfect for reading with a cup of cocoa on a December evening.

I personally am willing to forgive a lot when it comes to holiday reads and there were a few imperfections I noticed while reading. I saw some small editing issues, pacing problems, and a few plot details, especially surrounding plants and ingredients, that could use more research and depth. None of these really took away from the story for me and all I really want out of a seasonal read is something that feels magical and heart-warming, and this story absolutely delivered on that front.

If you’re looking for a cozy, festive fantasy romance with plenty of holiday spirit, this one is worth checking out!

[Crystal L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sugar, spice, and one very emotionally unavailable Elf King.✨

Don’t get me wrong—Halloween is a blast. But Christmas? Christmas will always be my favorite. It brought out a side of my dad I rarely got to see. He had his own battles, and since he passed a couple years ago, the season has become both incredibly hard and incredibly special to me. 🎄🖤

But back to the book!

Christmas With The Elf King is everything I didn’t know I needed: cozy, sparkly, and just the right mix of whimsy and swoon. We’ve got a brooding Elf King (who’s clearly never heard of therapy), a quirky human baker with actual baking magic, and enough flour-dusted tension to frost a whole gingerbread kingdom.

Noelle doesn’t want to be chosen—she just wants to bake her Christmas favorites with her family—but when the Elf King comes knocking, she’s whisked away to a land of cold beauty, ancient curses, and a love story that melts faster than snow on a hearth.

It’s equal parts sugar and sorrow, warmth and wonder. A little bit Hallmark, a little bit fae fantasy, and a whole lot of heart.
.....
Girl gets kidnapped by an emotionally constipated elf.
Accidentally bakes her way into saving a kingdom and his heart.
10/10 would trade my hot cocoa for this again. ☕✨

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sooo close to being a 5 star read! this dreamy, heartwarming story has all the cozy vibes you could wish for when reading a seasonal christmassy tale.

My only complaint is, that there where a couple of plotlines in the beginning of the book that felt repetitive (like how the elves just looked at her father when he had a heartattack and didn't help). It happened in one of the first chapters where I felt like I had just read almost the exact same line a couple of pages ago. This didn't happen after Noelle travels to Ravensong, so the repetitive lines only happens a couple of times in the early part of the book.

Other than this that little hiccup, this was truly a magical read that I had a hard time saying goodbye to after it ended. I hope that there will be some sort of continuation of this story *cough* wedding *cough* - either as a short novella about this or a novel that follows the Lila and Sam and then also tells about Noelle and Elden.

Will definetely recommend reading this and I could see myself reading this again around Christmas time next year.

[Bridgitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love cozy fantasy PLEASE do yourself a favor and absolutely read this gem of a Christmas cozy fantasy.

A human baker finds herself being chosen by the elf king to go to the fae realm where he brings maidens and masters of their trade over each year. During her time there we explore her role in the kitchen as the palace baker, but we also get to explore the relationship she has with the elf king as they take their adventure outside of the castle to try and solve a mystery that is plaguing both of the worlds they care about.

This was so well done in terms of being whimsical without being a punch in the face of Christmas. It also had an element of fantasy lore and world building that surpasses what I have read in other cozy fantasies as well.

Like a perfectly steamed cup of hot chocolate, it will leave you wanting more.. (and messaging the author to ask when we are getting a sequel the way I did, ha!)

[Kaitlyn Lopez-Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Christmas with the Elf King intrigued me because it was advertised as being set in a world like Lord of the Rings. The imagery was stunning and so perfect for Christmas. The story follows a human woman named Noelle who is taken from her home in the human lands to bake for the Elf King. The King has a bad reputation among the humans and you learn so much about his family along the way. Noelle and the Elf King must work together to end a terrible blight that has been going on for centuries.

The book is definitely cozy because Noelle loves baking. The book will make you hungry for all the Christmas treats. But there’s also action involving shade monsters and the mystery of solving the blight which keeps the book very interesting.

The romance is very sweet and a slow burn. I loved the ole one bed trope, but there is no spice in this book which is perfect because it was so sweet without it. I loved the happy ending as well. I loved this book, and I’m going to recommend it to anyone who needs a cozy fantasy romance for Christmas!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️ This was a delightful story! If you like cozy fantasy, romantasy, and winter/Christmas, this story of a human with a talent and passion for baking and a grumpy elf king searching for a cure to the blight that is destroying both the human and elven realms, add this book to your holiday TBR. The human and elf king must make a dangerous journey to find the cure but make memories and friends along the way. The story is full of magic, snowball fights, cinnamon rolls, hot chocolate, castles that sparkle like glitter, found family, love and all the warm feelings of Christmastime, sweet romances, and more. You’ll also get suspense as finding the cure is a race against time… and requires fights against the shadow beasts of the night. A great addition to your fantasy book lineup for the holidays!

[Kim that.bookish.mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the author reached out to ask if I would like to read her book she said it was Lord of the Rings inspired but Christmas and I said Say Less!!!

I went in to this one thinking it was gonna be a cookie cutter Christmas cozy fantasy but y’all when I tell yall she came in with the PLOT!!!!
I was glued to the page!!
Was it cute? Yes!
Was it cozy and full of Christmas joy? Yes!
But did it also have an amazing plot? Yes!!!

I loved this book! The only reason that I didn’t give it 5 stars is because it’s not going to be a book that I will reread over and over again but it was well worth an outstanding rating!

If you love cozy fantasy romance, Christmas, and a good plot I highly recommend you pick this one up!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas with The Elf King
By Lenore Stutznegger
Book Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
 
My thoughts:
This was the perfect little Christmas Romantasy novella! 

I wanted cinnamon rolls so bad while reading this. I made so many Christmas morning because of Christmas with The Elf King.

I loved that the story did have conflict which gave our baker, Noelle a quest to find the solution to that conflict. I loved how the yearning unraveled into love with our main characters. 
The Elf King is a green flag who has a lot of weight and responsibility on their shoulders so it makes sense he had his grumpy moments. 

No spice but so much yearning which I love! 

Lenore Stutznegger wrote a beautifully descriptive story of healing and love during Christmas! 

A wonderful book for the holidays!
✨🎄🎄🎄✨