The Christmas Book Flood

By: Roseanna M. White

Narrated by: Talon David

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 secret: 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

©2025 Roseanna M. White (P)2025 Tyndale Fiction

A very sweet story!

I enjoyed this book for its story and for its setting in Iceland during WWII.

The traditions in Iceland were fascinating

The narrator was easily understood and the story was heartwarming. I highly recommend this book!

Icelandic tradition comes to life!

I really enjoyed this book. Anything about books has to be good! It takes place in Iceland and was a very interesting story surrounding some of their unique traditions. Loved it!

Heartwarming Exploration of Family and Tradition

The Christmas Book Flood is one of those comforting reads reminiscent of a fragrant cup of cider or cocoa beside a glowing hearth.

1944. In a time of rationing and hardship, stories provide the light and warmth to chase away oppressive darkness, and people are ordering books like mad in order to shine their own lights to dispell the dark. (If only books were still regarded with such love today!)

Tatiana must care for her seven-year-old niece during the Christmas season in Iceland. Ellia's mother and father, both bedridden, send the child to her aunt, and Ellia's melancholy makes Tatiana determined to help the little girl have a memorable Christmas. Yet a barrage of book orders at the publishing house where she works promises to make this season the busiest she's ever known.
Anders, an editor at the publishing house, helps with the flood of Christmas book orders and becomes interested in Elliana's love of art, a love he also possesses. Friendship and unexpected revelations promise to make this Christmas an unforgettable one as Tatiana and Anders are drawn to each other by the need to make a little girl happy.

Roseanna M. White's story is beautifully written and rich with historical details. I loved learning about Icelandic Christmas customs, particularly the tradition of the Yule Lads, (mischievous trolls who leave gifts in shoes for the days leading up to Christmas). I want to taste leafbread, now and especially participate in the Christmas tradition of giving books and reading them on Christmas Eve. It makes me long for quieter and less harried customs here in America, a move away from commercialism and more emphasis on family.
Speaking of family: I love that this book, while featuring a sweet romance, is more of a story about family of all types. My favorite aspect was how Anders learned so much about his own family as the story progressed. One of my favorite scenes occurred in Chapter 10 in a poignant conversation between Anders and his eldest brother. Often, there is more to our families than we realize.

Talon David superbly brings animation and poignancy to this tender story. I loved the portrayals of the characters and that the accents were discernible but not exaggerated. My favorite portrayals were those of Anders and Ellia.

Thoroughly recommended if you enjoy stories with family dynamics, unusual traditions and sweet romance. God bless you all.

A New Christmas Tradition

I loved this book and caught myself smiling many, many times throughout. The history of the book flood and other Icelandic holiday traditions was fascinating to learn about. The characters were relatable and there was a great deal of depth to the story —— I didn’t want it to end. Roseanna M. White is an incredibly skilled storyteller and she delights once again with this wonderful, historical Christmas tale. This is certainly a book I will read every year now.