18 Wintry Books to Cozy Up With This Cold Season
As winter wraps its chilly fingers around us, there’s nothing quite like the joy of diving into a book that resonates with the season’s spirit. Picture yourself bundled up beside a crackling fire, with a novel that perfectly captures the essence of winter — from tales that envelop you with cozy vibes to narratives set against the stark beauty of a snowy landscape. Whether it’s the allure of a frost-touched romance, the intrigue of a winter-bound thriller, or the rich tapestry of a historical saga, these reads are sure to complement the long, dark nights of the season.
Embrace the unique atmosphere that winter-themed literature offers. It’s a time to indulge in the diversity of books that feel like winter itself — some connections are blatant in their wintry essence, while others are subtly intertwined with the season. The perfect winter read can vary widely from one person to the next, yet there’s a common thread that ties them together: the ideal companions for a season spent curled up indoors, where every page turn feels like a warm embrace against the cold outside.
My Bookshelf: Winter Reads for Chilly Evenings
Handpicked Winter Favorites
Once Upon A River
Diane Setterfield presents a mesmerizing tale in “Once Upon A River,” where a supposed tragedy on a winter night unfolds into a tapestry of mysteries, melding a palpable atmosphere with an enchanting narrative. It’s a tale ideally devoured on a frosty eve.
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries
Consider “Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries” if you’re keen on a charming academic pursuit intertwined with faery folklore against a backdrop of a quaint, snow-drenched village. Heather Fawcett weaves slow-burn romance amid academia and fantasy for those long winter nights.
The Bear and The Nightingale
For a dive into icy medieval Russia blended with enchanting folklore, “The Bear and The Nightingale” by Katherine Arden is your ticket to a fantastical realm. Follow Vasya’s voyage from childhood amidst a clash of spirits and tradition in this frost-kissed series. This wintry book is the first in a trilogy and I can tell you, I have never been more excited to read the next two books than I was after this book.
The Snow Child
One of the best winter books is Eowyn Ivey’s modern classic, The Snow Child. In 1920, Jack and Mabel are struggling to homestead Alaska. When the first snowflakes fall, they build a small child out of snow. The next morning their snowman is gone, replaced by a little girl named Faina who lives in the woods with only a fox as a friend.
Enchanting Winter Fantasies
Spinning Silver
Submerge yourself in the icy world of “Spinning Silver” by Naomi Novik, where a Rumpelstiltskin-like tale unfolds in a meticulously crafted wintery realm. Here, the intertwining fates of three women beckon readers to a hearthside adventure. A fun one to add to your list of wintry books.
Down Comes The Night
“Down Comes The Night” entwines fantasy with gothic elements in a narrative full of unexpected twists within a snowbound estate. Walk alongside Wren, a healer on a mission fraught with enigmas and chilling revelations.
Winterwood
Dive into the mystical embrace of “Winterwood” by Shea Ernshaw. This young adult story weaves a tale of purported witchcraft, an enigmatic boy, and the secretive whispers of a frostbitten forest—a narrative to get lost in as the snow piles high outside your window.
Snug Reads for Wintry Weather
Embark on a journey through stories that wrap you up like a warm blanket during the winter season. Cherish narratives that kindle warmth and contentment as you bask in the cozy glow of their pages, complemented by the soft crackle of a nearby fireplace.
Wintering
Wintering by Katherine May, it’s not just a book; it’s a journey through the frostbitten landscapes of winter, both literal and metaphorical. May intertwines her own story with the dormant periods of the natural world, exploring themes of rest, rejuvenation, and transformation.
As the snow blankets the earth, offering a pause for reflection and renewal, May suggests we too can find beauty and growth in life’s colder moments. This book stands out as a perfect winter read, reminding us that there’s warmth to be found in the chill of winter—a warmth that fosters inner strength and resilience. So, grab a blanket, find a cozy nook, and let Wintering guide you through the coldest months with a heart full of warmth and hope.
Good Morning, Midnight
The novel “Good Morning, Midnight” by Lily Brooks-Dalton takes you on a profound journey through the depths of isolation against the breathtaking backdrop of the Arctic wilderness. It’s a story that notches the heartbeat in tandem with the howling winds and stretches of snow, etching the beauty of solitude into your mind.
For those of us seeking a book that balances the scales between introspection and heart-pounding adventure, you’ve stumbled upon a rare gem. The canvas of the Arctic, painted with words, invites you to explore not just the frozen, uncharted lands but also the unvisited corners of your soul. It’s a wintry read that promises to thaw the frostiest of hearts, urging you to find the warmth of human connection amidst the endless ice.
Snow Falling on Cedars
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson is a gripping combination of mystery and romance that unfolds under a blanket of snow that seems to muffle the outside world, drawing you deeper into the story. The cold, snowy landscape isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right, amplifying every whispered secret and heightening the tension that threads through the narrative.
As the mystery unwinds, you can’t help but feel the chill of the winter air and the warmth of budding romance coursing through you. It’s the perfect winter novel for those long, frosty nights when all you want is a story that can thrill you and warm your heart at the same time.
A Little Hope
A Little Hope, penned by Ethan Joella, emerges not merely as a narrative but as a beacon of warmth amidst the chill, intricately knitting together tales of endurance and interconnectedness against a backdrop of wintry adversities. Envision yourself ensconced by a crackling fire, the snow gently dancing beyond the glass, utterly engrossed in a narrative that wraps around you like a snug blanket.
This heartwarming story, set in the heart of winter, serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring glow of hope that pierces through the gloomiest seasons. Ideal for anyone seeking to infuse their winter book binge with a dash of joy, Joella’s novel stands as the quintessential companion for those lengthy, crisp evenings. It’s a narrative that reaffirms the beauty and resilience found in hope and human bonds, transcending the boundaries of seasons.
The Children’s Blizzard
As heartwarming tales go, this one reminds us of the strength found in unity and the hope that springs even in the coldest of times. The Children’s Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin is a story that transposes us to a time when the beauty and the peril of winter landscapes merged into one.
In this historical event, we encounter human stories of sheer survival against the backdrop of winter’s unforgiving embrace.
The book paints a picture of families and communities battling the sudden and deadly snowstorm that swept over the Great Plains in 1888. The chilling narrative not only highlights the harsh and unpredictable nature of winter settings but also celebrates the resilience and spirit of those who faced the blizzard head-on.
Chilling Thrillers to Unravel by the Fire
The thrill of unraveling mysteries is amplified by the shiver-inducing ambiance of winter. Discover tales of suspense that are best accompanied by the flickering shadows cast by firelight, offering both chills and thrills.
The Sanatorium
This chilling narrative transports you to a snowbound sanatorium-turned-hotel in the Swiss Alps, where the protagonist, Elin, hopes to reconnect with her estranged brother. However, the serene beauty of the wintry landscape quickly gives way to a sense of isolation and dread as guests begin disappearing amidst a blizzard that cuts off all access to the outside world.
There’s something about being trapped in a remote location, with an eerie atmosphere enveloping you, that sets the perfect scene for a winter thriller. The isolation not only amplifies the suspense but also deepens the intrigue, making The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse a compelling winter read. So, gather your wits about you, for this journey to a snow-laden sanatorium is fraught with tension, mystery, and an unsettling air that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Rock Paper Scissors
Picture this: a remote, snow-covered landscape so beautifully desolate it’s almost a character in itself. This setting forms the perfect backdrop for a story that wraps you in its cold fingers, refusing to let go.
The plot? Oh, it’s twisty in all the right ways. Imagine a romantic getaway that turns into a chilling game of deceit and revelation. Elements of mystery seamlessly blend with psychological thrills, making every page turn both a question and a revelation. The isolation provided by the winter setting amplifies the suspense, trapping you with the characters as they peel back layers of their lives.
“Rock Paper Scissors” by Alice Feeney is a compelling read that combines the chill of the setting with the warmth of racing through a good story. So, grab your favorite blanket, pour yourself a hot drink, and prepare to dive into an icy intrigue that promises to keep your winter nights anything but dull.
The Cuckoo’s Calling
The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith (the pseudonym for J. K. Rowling) plunges us into this icy tableau, where the winter air doesn’t just brush against your skin—it seeps into the soul of the narrative, making every enigma more profound, every secret more chilling. As I delved into the book, it was not only the intricate plot that held me spellbound but also how seamlessly the winter backdrop wove itself into the essence of the tale.
Traversing the frost-bitten streets of London alongside the keen protagonists, I felt enveloped by the cold. It underscored the solitude of the characters, each cloaked in their nocturnal confessions. With each revelation, the seasonal setting seemed to amplify the stakes, cocooning you in a suspense that’s as biting as the frost outside.
Galbraith’s genius lies in the transformation of the setting from mere scenery to a pivotal element of the story, challenging the characters, enthralling the readers, and enriching the narrative fabric. This synergy of setting and story, a masterpiece in its own right, positions The Cuckoo’s Calling as an essential companion for those long, frosty evenings.
Breathless
Journalist Cecily Wong is in over her head. She’s come to Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world, to interview internationally famous mountaineer Charles McVeigh on the last leg of a record-breaking series of summits. She’s given up everything for this story—her boyfriend, her life savings, the peace she’s made with her climbing failures in the past—but it’s a career-making opportunity. It could finally put her life back on track.
But when one climber dies in what everyone else assumes is a freak accident, she fears their expedition is in danger. And by the time a second climber dies, it’s too late to turn back. Stranded on a mountain in one of the most remote regions of the world, she’ll have to battle more than the elements in a harrowing fight for survival against a killer who is picking them off one by one.
Mean Streak
This isn’t just any winter read; it’s a romantic suspense novel that knows exactly how to play with your pulse. The setting? A backdrop so chilly, you’ll be reaching for another blanket—not from the cold, but from the icy shivers of danger that dance down your spine.
The story throws you into a world where every turn is unexpected, every shadow a potential threat. It’s like being on a sled, careening down a hill with no brakes—you can’t stop, you’re not even sure you want to, because with every twist in the tale, your heart thumps harder.
What makes Mean Streak by Sandra Brown a stand-out winter pick isn’t just its frostbitten setting, it’s how Sandra Brown masterfully intertwines tension with moments of tender humanity, crafting a narrative that’s as complex and unpredictable as a blizzard. You think you know where you’re heading? Think again.
So, why should you pick up Mean Streak this winter? Well, if the allure of romantic entanglements set against a survivalist backdrop doesn’t do it for you, the sheer thrill of the book’s twists and turns will. It’s a page-turner, one that keeps you guessing until the final page. The perfect companion for a long winter’s night.
One by One
Imagine being cut off from the rest of the world, the snow acting as a barrier that keeps you secluded, your only company being individuals who might not all make it out alive. The sense of isolation in One by One is palpable, making every shadow seem sinister, every creak of the old retreat’s structure a forewarning. This claustrophobic atmosphere Ruth Ware masterfully crafts keeps you flipping pages, hearts racing, almost afraid to breathe too loudly lest you break the spell or, worse, attract the attention of the thriller’s unseen threat.
The cold, desolate environment serves not just as a backdrop but as a catalyst for the unfolding drama. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most dangerous threats come not from the elements but from within our ranks. Each character’s motives and secrets are laid bare, intensified by the icy exterior entrapping them. This chilling setup, combined with Ware’s knack for suspenseful storytelling, makes One by One by Ruth Ware is a must-read for anyone looking for a thriller that uses its wintry setting to ratchet up the tension and keep you captivated from cover to cover.
Heartwarming Holiday Romances
As the cold draws near, indulge in romantic tales that bloom amidst holiday cheers and winter’s tender chill. These love stories are perfect companions to curl up with as the festive season sprinkles its magic. Find your next holiday read in this post.
