31 Winter And Christmas Books To Make The Holidays Thrilling

31 winter and Christmas

We know you'll be busy for the rest of the year, but you deserve a nice break for doing everything. So when you get a chance catch your breath from pouring unlimited champagne cocktails and you're warming your toes while taking a break from holiday shopping, unwind with our top 31 winter and Christmas books. And if you're traveling for holidays, be sure to put your latest read in one of your travel tote bags to read during your flight. 😇

The Book Club Hotel

Enter the Maple Sugar Inn with it's idyllic setting. It's picturesque and cozy. but Hattie is officially over it. She's tired from running such a place while being the world's greatest mom. Just when she's about to lose hope, her besties come to time for their book club meetup and they begin to see themselves in each other in a brand new way.

Confessions of a Christmasholic

Confessions of a Christmasholic is for anyone who's looking for a nice surprise during the holidays. It's the perfect mix of one bad mistake and a healthy dose of steamy romance that ends with a renewed love for Christmas.

Dead of Winter

Keep your weighted blanket nearby because you'll want to get extra cozy while reading Dead of Winter. It's all about a couple's winter trip gone horribly wrong before they can truly relax. Someone in their group is playing hide and seek with sharp objects, but it's hard to determine who that might be. It's a read that's sure to keep you on the edge of your bed, so make sure you have a yummy holiday cocktail nearby to soothe your nerves.

The Lost Bookshop

The Lost Bookshop is novel that's determined to make sure Opaline, Martha and Henry part ways with playing second fiddle in life. It helps them find the magic and thrill that's been living within them, setting fire to the ways they've ignored the beauty of things within arm's reach. It's a novel we're sure will make you ponder about your own life, especially as we head into 2024.

A Woman in the Polar Night

Set in the early 1900s, A Woman in the Polar Night takes one woman's expectations and turns them upside down. She quickly finds herself respecting and falling in love with nature the more time she spends in Spitsbergen — something she could've never envisioned. It's a beautiful ode to what happens when we learn to let go and trust that there's freedom to be found in the unexpected.

Keeper of the Enchanted Rooms

This whimsical tale is all about the secrets that lurk within homes and how far they'll go to remain protected from anything they deem to be a threat. When Merritt Fernsby finds that himself the seemingly unlucky inheritor of such a home, he quickly enlists the help of Hulda Larkin and her team to assist him with understanding what the home needs.

Where the Forest Meets the Stars

Where the Forest Meets the Stars follows Joanna Teale as she comes to terms with grief that finds her unintentionally redefining how she lives life. Over the course of the novel, she forms deep bonds with her next door neighbor and a young girl whose presence changes the course of history

The Enigma of Room 622

Sometimes we find ourselves — and other things — when pain causes us to run away. Joël and the other guests of Hôtel de Verbier find themselves thrust in the middle of a mystery that involves unthinkable crimes from murder to a secret operation. It's filled with sinister twists that'll make you feel glad you're in the comfort of your own home.

The Lioness of Boston

The Lioness of Boston is a fitting name for Isabella Stewart Gardner because she dared to persevere in the midst of being judged by those who thought they were better than her. Also set in the early 1900s, this novel unfolds beautifully as Isabella finds her way and lives a life that's not constrained by rules.

The City of Dreaming Books

This isn't exactly a tale about winter or Christmas, but it's magical components are fitting for someone who's looking for a non-traditional approach to reading. The City of Dreaming Books starts off like a cautionary tale, but it ends with protagonist Yarnspinner rediscovering why reading books is one adventure that's worth many risks.

The Christmas Dress

Meg's dreams don't include managing her dad's apartment building, but she finds life taking a turn for the worst when she grudgingly inherits it. However, this turn of events leads her to befriend Ellie and she gifts her the most gorgeous dress that seems to be full of luck. It's almost likeSisterhood of the Traveling Pants, but set during Christmas and spanning different generations.

Moon of the Crusted Snow

Moon of the Crusted Snow shows what happens when a community falls victim to instability caused by a blackout. And when an outsider shows up and begins planting seeds of doubt in the hearts of the citizens, chaos beings to ensue. Only a few brave souls are willing to band together to restore life as they once knew it — even if it comes at a hefty price.

Winterset Hollow

You'll think twice about wishing you could live in the world of your favorite book after reading Winterset Hollow. A group of friends realize this only after they've stepped into the world of a book they once loved. When Barley Day arrives, they're unprepared and have to face things that threaten reality.

The Wishing Game

Like so many of us who enjoy reading good books, Lucy Hart has always been comforted by them — especially if they're written by Jack Masterson. Faced with her own childhood trauma, she meets young Christopher and wants nothing more than to give him a home filled with love. The Wishing Game takes readers on a wild ride that includes a contest held by Masterson himself, but not before he shocks contestants with something shocking. Dive in to find out if Lucy and Christopher are able to build a new life together or not.

The Forest of Wool and Steel

This novel is full of grit and imagination as Tomura finds a way to play the song in his heart. Trained by three teachers who have different temperaments, he develops a greater appreciation for his purpose in life. It's during his journey that learns more about himself and life.

A Winter in New York

A Winter in New York is a tale of love and secrets set in the Big Apple. Iris learns to love the vastness of New York and even discovers there may be more to her mother's story than she originally thought — thanks to a family-owned dessert shop that serves a famous gelato she's made before.

Haunted: An Epic Christmas Ghost Story

This gripping tale features a married couple who are looking for anything that'll help them save their marriage. It's the only reason they agreed to happily take on such a gorgeous property, but things quickly take a turn for the worse. As if their marriage woes weren't enough, something much deadlier lurks in the shadows and it's waiting for its chance to strike.

Who knew there could be so many thriller Christmas stories?

Three Holidays and a Wedding

Maryam and Anna's lives become intertwined during a snowstorm that leads them to take roads less traveled. Although they were headed to different destinations, it's clear that life always has other plans — plans that sometimes involve complete strangers.

The Moonshiner's Daughter: A Southern Coming-of-Age Saga of Family and Loyalty

Southern reads are like chicken soup for the soul and The Moonshiner's Daughter is no different. Jessie Sasser is the last person who wants anything to do with her family's moonshine business, but doesn't seem to understand she's been slowly destroying her life in a way that doesn't have anything to do with liquor. However, she finds herself uncovering things from the past and is forced to contend with who she is in the midst of her family's legacy.

The Resort

The Resort follows another couple's decision to travel during winter to a wedding — except they don't quite make it. Instead, a storm forces them to seek refuge in a place that has danger written all over it. Will Mila be able to uncover her husband's disappearance before she ends up missing too?

A Winter's Rime

A Winter's Rime follows Mallory as she comes to term with her childhood and pattern of choosing abusive situations. Thanks to a young girl named Shay, she realizes there are some things not worth running from anymore

In the Night Wood

Charles and Erin Hayden decide to seek comfort in the home of the author of In the Night Wood, but they're met with eeriness instead. It could be the effects of seclusion or maybe the home they're in is actually filled with ghosts of all manners — including their daughter who passed.

The Winter of the Witch

Vasilisa is a gifted young woman who catches the eyes of winter-king Morozko and is thrust in the middle of a budding, violent war. It'll be up her to her to save Russia as she embarks on a journey that changes everything, including herself.

Court of Winter (Faw of Snow & Ice)

Court of Winter (Fae of Snow & Ice) is the perfect winter read for those who love the classic enemies-to-lovers trope. It's fully of mystical elements and love that'll make you want to binge watch True Blood or The Game of Thrones during your holiday break. You'll leap at the chance to add this to your collection of fantasy books.

Christmas Presents

Madeline Martin's life feels harder than it should. On one hand, she's a successful bookshop owner who's carved out a space for book lovers. Yet, she can't seem to shake the murderous past of her relative Evan Hardy. She's forced to reckon with the trauma of that when the killings start again during the heart of winter and it's going to take everything she has not to lose it on the search for the truth.

Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop

If you're looking for a lighter bookshop tale, you'll love reading Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop. Although it's set during summertime, this novel paints a beautiful picture of what happens when we open ourselves to endless possibilities. Between McCredie and Carmen — the bookshop's owner and manager — they find there may be something magical about the saying "Christmas in July."

The Santa Suit

There's something about inheriting homes during the holidays that seem to add a touch of magic or horror to one's life. In Ivy's case, she ends up connecting with people in a way she hasn't wanted to in a long time. She gets to solve a mystery, find a beloved community, and even open herself to love. It's a beautiful tale of patience and redemption wrapped in one pretty bow.

Snowed In

You know you can't help but read romantic novels, especially during the holidays. Snowed In will quickly become one of your favorite reads of 2023 with it's twists and turns. When shunned Megan returns home, she meets Christian and they decide to put on the greatest romantic farce ever. The problem is, they can't predict what happens when the thrill of Christmas lingers in the air...

The Echo of Old Books

At this point, our winter and Christmas books list is turning into an informal book club because we can't stay away tales involving bookshops or those who love books. The Echo of Old Books revolves around book dealer Ashlyn's determination to figure out what happened between authors Hemi and Belle. The more she invests in the love they once shared, the more she begins putting together the giant puzzle of her own life.

All The Quiet Places

All the Quiet Places follows young Eddie as he tries to make sense of a life that's suddenly impacted by a horror no one could have predicted. He grows into a teen who becomes more sure of himself and begins finding joy in life again. However, everything is threatened when more tragedy strikes again. This leaves him to make sense of his culture and how things beyond his control affect the life he has.

Winter Counts

Virgil doesn't offer mercy to those who commit crimes that go unpunished. He's known for being merciless when circumstances call for it, but he suddenly finds himself motivated to do more when drugs infiltrates the reservation he lives at. When someone on the reservation's council seems like they're giving into greed, he embarks on a long journey that helps him answer what it means to be Native American.

Which winter and Christmas books will you spend the holidays reading?

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Lead images via Amazon

When Jennifer Lawrenceannounced she was pregnant last year, we couldn't contain our happiness for her! Though she and her husband, Cooke Maroney, aren't known for being in the public eye too much, this is one piece of news they didn't mind sharing. Now, we get to maintain our excitement because the couple's welcomed their precious baby!

Here's everything we know about baby number 2 so far!

Wait, did Jennifer Lawrence really give birth to baby No. 2? 

Kevin Mazur

According to PEOPLE, Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney are parents of two! The outlet reports a few sources shared the news with them, confirming rumors about whether the actress had given birth or not (via Daily Mail).

The couple haven't released a public statement, but we're overjoyed for them either way!

November 17: Jennifer Lawrence Glows On The Red Carpet Again

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Not only is Jennifer Lawrence glowing during her second pregnancy, but she's also showing how stylish moms can be! According to WWD, she wore a gorgeous brown Bottega Veneta gown to the Governors Award event and looked like a goddess on the red carpet. The dress and its gold hardware complemented her skin beautifully along with her matching clutch!

It seems like maternity style gets better every year and it gives this mama hope that the world sees that life doesn't stop just because we have kiddos in tow!

Has Jennifer Lawrence debuted her baby bump yet?

Anna Webber/Getty Images for AFI

YES! Jennifer Lawrence's baby bump was the star of the Zurawski v Texas premiere (via PEOPLE). She wore a structured white dress with a black belt around her waist that accentuated her cute baby bump and appeared to be glowing.

According to Deadline, she's one of the executive producers of Zurawski v Texas, a documentary that sheds light on the "restrictive abortion laws" that put women's lives in danger in Texas. Alongside producers Hilary and Chelsea Clinton, Jennifer's involvement in the documentary as a pregnant woman makes a pivotal statement during a time where mothers' mortalities aren't always considered during their pregnancies.

When did Jennifer Lawrence announce her second pregnancy?

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for BFI

Leave it to Vogue to get the exclusive scoop about Jennifer being pregnant again! According to the publication, an official "representative for the actor confirmed" the news, October 20, 2025. So exciting!

What have Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney said about their family?

John Phillips/Getty Images for Sony Pictures

It seems Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney were open to the idea of having another baby as recently as this summer! An unknown source told Entertainment Tonight, "Jennifer and Cooke are doing very well and are super in love. They make each other laugh and have the best time parenting together. They would love to have another kid and expand their family."

When was Jennifer Lawrence's first baby born?

Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images for Sony Pictures

Jennifer and Cooke's firstborn son, Cy, was born February 2022, which means he's almost three years old!

The actress later explored her feeling about becoming a mom in another Vogueinterview. "It’s so scary to talk about motherhood. Only because it’s so different for everybody. If I say, It was amazing from the start, some people will think, 'It wasn’t amazing for me at first,' and feel bad. Fortunately I have so many girlfriends who were honest. Who were like, It’s scary," she said.

What has Jennifer Lawrence said about being a mom?

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

It seems like Jennifer found her stride because she's apparently embraced being a mom. She hasn't said anything recently, but she did speak with Entertainment Tonight last year during the promotion of No Hard Feelings about her parenting habits. "Of course, the urge to stop anything from ever hurting or negatively affecting your baby..." she said.

However, co-star Andrew Barth Feldman had nothing but positive words to share about Jennifer as a mom. "Jen is an amazing mother, for real. That was kind of one of the incredible things about doing this with you is seeing just how much of a priority being a mother is for you and how deeply you care about that over everything," he said.

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Ann Taylor’s spring dress collection is just too good. They always nail polished styles that still have the perfect amount of playfulness! From fun prints to more basic colorways, these stunning spring dresses from Ann Taylor can take you practically anywhere in style.

Scroll on to shop 8 Ann Taylor dresses I'm definitely eyeing for spring!

Ann Taylor

Belted Sheath Dress

Springtime is prime time for pastels, and this light pink number nails the seasonal color. It's pretty polished in the details throughout, plus it's all cinched together oh-so nicely with the thin belt around the waist.

Ann Taylor

Studio Collection Silk Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress

Oh, yeah. The ruching on the side of this silky midi is nothing short of flattering – I could definitely see this style working wonderfully as a wedding guest dress.

Ann Taylor

Striped Pleated Sweater Tank Dress

With contrasting vertical and horizontal stripes, this sweater-y (but still lightweight) tank dress doesn't have to work too hard to make a statement. Thus, you can easily pair it with some basic black shoes and a colorful cardigan to complete your spring look.

Ann Taylor

Tweed Sheath Dress

This color, though! Aside from the stunning buttons and modest coverage, I love the bold shade of this dress for spring. Again, it really speaks for itself, so you shouldn't have to dress it up too much to pull a 'fit.

Ann Taylor

Square Neck Flare Dress

Easy-wearing and oh-so soft thanks to the light material it's made of, this midi dress is practically begging to become your everyday piece this spring. A square neckline is always flattering, plus this design's skirt is the right amount of casual.

Ann Taylor

Dotted Crepe Column Midi Dress

Polka dots are the pattern to rock this season, so I'm obviously eyeing this chic silhouette. It's fairly free-flowing, but comes with a sleek belt at the waist to gather your look together.

Ann Taylor

Denim Sheath Dress

Denim dresses are everything to me, and I love that this one makes a more formal departure from the other casual denim pieces in my closet. It definitely has a workwear quality to it – I'd wear it with ballet flats and a polished cardigan for an easy, yet put-together spring outfit.

Ann Taylor

Striped Smocked-Waist Midi Flare Dress

Hello, waistline! This midi comes complete with a smocked waist that flatters your bod to a tee.

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While I love seeing BookTok-viral novels get turned into movies (hello It Ends With Us!), it's just as fun to see them get turned into TV shows, like Fourth Wing — which is why I had such high hopes for A Court of Thorns and Roses at Hulu...before it got canceled. But believe it or not, the fantasy series cancellation could actually a good thing.

Here's the latest update on the A Court of Thorns and Roses show.

Is the ACOTAR TV show still happening?

KoolShooters/Pexels

A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show has officially be scrapped at Disney’s 20th Television, according to Variety. But ACOTAR fans, don't give up hope! Sarah J. Maas was working with Outlander creator Ronald D. Moore, but now Variety's sources say that after the rights expire at Disney, SJM will be shopping the rights to an ACOTAR show to a different studio and platform.

Honestly, I'm totally here for this because a platform like Prime or Max would provide a different kind of edge and aesthetic to the series that would serve it in a different way. And if we have to wait a little longer for a platform SJM feels most aligned with, I'm willing to stick it out!

On February 27, 2024, Sarah J. Maas reportedly went out to coffee with Margot Robbie. Margot's production company (LuckyChap) has backed projects like I, Tonya, Promising Young Woman, Saltburn. Everything Margot touches turns to gold so I really hope she eventually ends up on the creative team for A Court of Thorns and Roses!

Who plays Rhysand in ACOTAR?

Jared Subia/Unsplash

We never got an official cast announcement, but there are plenty of ACOTAR fancasts.

Hannah Dodd, who plays Francesca in Netflix's hit series Bridgerton, would be the PERFECT addition to the cast, whether she plays Elain or Feyre. And now, I honestly don't know if I'll be satisfied with anyone else ;). "She is ELAIN," one TikTok user comments. "Literally copy paste from my brain Elain."

Deuxmoi (via Marie Claire Australia) revealed some potential actors who could be in the running, like Thomas Doherty, Theo James, and Katherine Langford. Actress Brec Bassigner expressed that she'd love to be considered for a role. "I emailed my team, and I was like, ‘Listen, I don’t care if I have one line. I have to be a part of this,'" she says in an interview with TV Line.

Is ACOTAR getting a 6th book?

Amazon

Yes, ACOTAR book 6 is on the way! We don't know who the new book will focus on, but Sarah J. Maas did say she's excited to bring it to us.

"The next book in that series, I have the ideas and general, vague thoughts. But the nitty gritty of writing and the emotional journeys with the characters — I usually love to go on those journeys with them," she said during an appearance on TODAY.

What is A Court of Thorns and Roses about?

Amazon

A Court of Thorns and Roses follows Feyre, a huntress who's forced to live with the immortal faeries after killing a wolf in the woods. The longer she stays in the Fae's world, the more she begins to love it — and the passionate, alluring faerie Tamlin. But as a dark shadow grows, both their world and Tamlin are put in danger, and it's up to Feyre to save them all.

When did the Court of Thorns and Roses series come out?

Amazon

A Court of Thorns and Roses is the first novel in the series of the same name, and was published in 2015. Sarah J. Maas continued the series with A Court of Mist and Fury in 2016, A Court of Wings and Ruin in 2017, A Court of Frost and Starlight in 2018, and A Court of Silver Flames in 2021.

Are you excited for the A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show? Let us know your dream cast in the comments and on TikTok! And read up on The Only ACOTAR Character Breakdown You Need Before Book 6 Comes Out.

This post has been updated.

As much as we love talking about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce...Jason Kelce and his wife Kylie Kelce deserve their time in the spotlight too! They have a loving and hilarious dynamic that's somehow made room for not one, but three kids. And guess what? They recently welcome baby number 4! From their very funny announcement to everything they've said since, there's a lot of fun to unpack here.

Here's everything to know about Jason Kelce & Kylie Kelce's exciting pregnancy!

OMG, when did Kylie Kelce give birth? 

Kylie and Jason welcomed their fourth daughter March 30, according to PEOPLE, but an official announcement was shared via the couple's joint Instagram post on April 1. "Whoop, there she is! Finnley “Finn” Anne Kelce 3/30/25," reads Kylie's caption and we think it's the cheekiest way to describe her arrival.

The subsequent photos of Finnley are just as cute as she's seen wearing the cutest floral onesie and being held by her parents. Call us biased, but she has the most precious face we've ever seen. Even her uncle Travis thinks so!

PEOPLEalso reports the NFL player incredulously told his brother how much he wanted to see Finnley after the latter asked how he felt. "Yes, I want to see my new niece, Jason! You only sent one picture. You didn’t even tell me what name you picked yet."

But his complaints stopped the minute Jason showed him Finnley during their latest New Heights podcast episode. Travis immediately melted and said, "Hey, little muffin! Look at you. You hanging out with Mom? Tell Ky I said hello. I’m glad everything’s going great." He even thinks her name is "adorable."

When did Jason and Kylie announce she's pregnant?

Amazon Prime

Kylie Kelce shared the huge news on Instagram November 22nd! Of course grandma Donna Kelce was the first to leave a comment. She wrote, "🔥🔥🔥🔥😍😍😍 Love it!!!" Brittany Mahomes also commented by writing, "Ahhhhhh Congrats you guys!!!🥹🤍."

How did Jason and Kylie's other daughters react?

Amazon Prime

In Kylie's same Instagram post, her and Jason's daughters can be seen expressing a range of emotions. There's an 'Eek' expression from their oldest daughter Wyatt, a happy look from their middle daughter Elliott, and pure tears from baby girl Bennett. Kylie wrote, "I feel like we captured a very accurate representation of how each of the girls feel about getting another sister. At least Ellie, mom and dad are on the same page! 🤷♀️"

How did Jason and Kylie prepare to be a family of six?

Amazon Prime

Jason Kelce took the news of being an official girl dad like a champ. He told E! Newshe's "got it pretty easy" because "the clothes are all going to be hand-me-downs or already bought." Not only that, but they'd already secured a baby crib prior to their newborn's birth.

“I love my kids so much, and especially my daughters,” he added. "I was telling somebody out there because they're expecting their first — and they look at you. They smile at you. There's just a way that kids have to warm your soul in a way that nothing else can.”

He also shared his excitement about watching his daughters grow up with a new sibling. "And hopefully we'll welcome a fourth into this world, and we'll be able to watch them fight and tear each other apart and all the good stuff."

He even appeared on The Rich Eisen Show where he joked, "I'm screwed [in] like in 10 years. The moment they’re all in middle school, I feel like it’s just gonna be chaos." He also hopes Wyatt "can start helping out a little bit more." But, he's still looking forward to it! "I obviously have not had a son, but there is something about a daughter in the way I think as a dad, you feel an extra amount probably of protection and love toward that child," he shared.

What did Kylie say about her fourth pregnancy?

Kylie previously opened up on her new podcast, Not Gonna Lie, about her feelings on her fourth pregnancy. At the time, she said she was "so incredibly grateful to be able to get pregnant, but it is a means to an end." She further said, "When I tell you that I cannot stand being pregnant, I mean it. I don't have a a fun time."

If that sounds a little uh...negative, it actually makes a lot more sense when she explained more! She elaborated, "I am nauseous for most of my pregnancy. It tapers off a little after the first trimester, but I continue to have nausea throughout my pregnancy." Woof, I know that's tough!

Kyle continued by explaining she hasn't even really had the fun, wacky cravings many pregnant people get — instead she had more "aversions" in each of her pregnancies. I'll take cravings over aversions any day!

The podcast host then joked, "When you're super pregnant and someone comes up to you and says, 'Isn't this just the most beautiful thing ever? 'I want to punch you in the face. I'm not going to, but I want to."

Follow us on Facebook for more updated about this cute family!

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Ever since Good American Family premiered on March 19, there has been renewed interest in the real-life adoption case of Natalia Grace.

The latest Hulu series stars Ellen Pompeo as Kristine Barnett, who adopted an orphan from Ukraine with her husband, Michael Barnett. However, after taking in Natalia, who had a rare form of dwarfism, Kristine began to suspect that she was an adult pretending to be a child.

New episodes of Good American Family are being released on Wednesdays, but as we wait to see what happens next in the TV dramatization, many fans are wondering whether Natalia's adoptive parents ever faced jail time. Here's everything we know.

Scroll to find out what happened to Natalia Grace's adoptive parents, Kristine and Michael Barnett...

Who is Natalia Grace Barnett?

Max

For those unfamiliar with the infamous case, Natalia was born in Ukraine in 2003 and was first adopted by a different couple, Dyan and Gary Ciccone, back in 2008. She only lived with the Ciccone family for two years before they claimed her behavior was disruptive and relinquished their parental rights.

This led Natalia to be placed up for adoption again, and in 2010, the Barnett family welcomed her into their Indiana home. She was thought to be 6 or 7 years old at the time, but soon afterward, the Barnetts claimed Natalia had adult traits, such as adult teeth and body hair, and believed she wasn't actually a little girl.

Additionally, they alleged Natalia was a "sociopath" and had tried to harm them and their biological children, Jacob, Wesley, and Ethan.

What happened to Natalia Grace and the Barnetts?

Max

The Barnetts ultimately petitioned an Indiana court in 2012 in order to change her birth year from 2003 to 1989. Legally, this made Natalia 22 years old, and she was placed in a Lafayette, Indiana, apartment by herself; meanwhile, the Barnetts relocated to Canada with their three sons, Jacob, Wesley, and Ethan.

Afterward, the Barnett family reportedly cut contact with Natalia, who moved in with another couple, Cynthia and Antwon Mans, about one month later. The Mans family petitioned to become her legal guardians in 2016, and by 2023, they were able to legally adopt Natalia.

What happened with Natalia Grace and the Mans?

Max

Nonetheless, Natalia wound up leaving Cynthia and Antwon's home by the end of 2023 after alleging they were controlling. She currently lives in upstate New York with the DePaul family and appeared in the docuseries The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks. There, she called the Barnetts abusive and alleged Kristine had hit her with a belt and pepper-sprayed her.

What happened to Kristine and Michael Barnett?

Max

Following their move to Canada, Michael and Kristine eventually got divorced but maintained that Natalia had exhibited violent behavior. Some allegations include that she'd appeared at the foot of their bed with a knife in her hand and attempted to poison Kristine's coffee.

Despite the fact that they filed the petition to change Natalia's age in 2012, Michael and Kristine weren't charged until 2019. They faced multiple counts of neglect, but Michael was found not guilty in 2022, and the charges against Kristine were subsequently dropped in 2023 after Michael testified in her pretrial.

Kristine Barnett reportedly wrote in a since-deleted Facebook post, "If there had been any abuse of Natalia or evidence of it, I would have been found guilty of it, and I would be in jail. I believe Natalia takes advantage of that sympathy to manipulate people."

Michael filed for divorce in 2014 and later appeared on The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks. As for Kristine, she has mostly flown under the public radar.

Still, following the finale of the docuseries, Kristine shared a long post on Facebook, responding to allegations against her.

"Natalia was a very much loved and cared for member of my family. She was not abused by anyone in my family. Let's get straight to these allegations. Nobody ever took a belt to Natalia, and the allegations that she was 'beaten' are just plain false. Any discipline of Natalia was very minimal and not out of the bounds of normal parenting," she wrote.

Natalia went on to call the docuseries "highly sensationalized," adding, "Michael Barnett and Natalia Barnett may have the same monster, but that monster is not me. That monster, whether it's mental illness, sociopathy, or whatever it actually is, may be different for each of them. But it's within their own psyche."

Who plays Natalia Grace Barnett today?

Disney/Ser Baffo

In Good American Family, Imogen Faith Reid plays Natalia Grace, and Mark Duplass depicts Michael Barnett. Ellen Pompeo has said the latest series intends to show both sides of the adoption story in an "intentional and thoughtful" way.

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