The best books to cozy up with this winter- 2024
As the days grow shorter and the air fills with the crisp scent of winter, what could be more delightful than curling up with a good book? A steaming mug of tea or coffee in hand, a soft, warm blanket draped across your lap, and the gentle glow of some candles—it’s the perfect recipe for embracing the season.
“My winter begins with a comforting ritual. A perfect winter day starts with a blanket, a hot cup of chai (tea), and a cozy spot by the window where I can feel the fog roaming around my house while getting lost in the pages of a book.
Whether you’re drawn to heartwarming tales of family and friendship, magical journeys through snowy landscapes, or gripping mysteries that keep you guessing by the fire, winter has a book for every mood.”
Here are some of my top picks for the best winter reads to keep you cozy all season long:
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop
URL: https://amzn.to/495YvIY
160 Pages, Paperback.
Author: Satoshi Yagisawa
Translator: Eric Ozawa
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa is a gentle and heartwarming story about rediscovering life, love, and purpose through books. The story follows Takako, a young woman feeling lost after a personal betrayal shakes her world. When her estranged uncle Satoru offers her a place to stay at his used bookshop in Tokyo’s Jinbōchō neighborhood, she reluctantly agrees.
At first, the dusty shelves and endless rows of books feel overwhelming and out of place in Takako’s life. But as the days pass, she begins to find solace in the quiet rhythm of the shop and the quirky, book-loving community it attracts. Through unexpected connections and moments of reflection, Takako slowly rebuilds herself and starts to see life and books in a new light.
This short novel beautifully captures the healing power of literature and the quiet magic of finding where you belong. It’s a love letter to books and bookshops, wrapped in a tender story about second chances and self-discovery.
The Pumpkin Spice Cafe
URL: https://amzn.to/4eGkNSz
384 Pages, Paperback.
Author: Laurie Gilmore
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore is a cozy, feel-good romance that’s perfect for autumn vibes but just as delightful during winter. The story follows Jeanie, a city dweller who unexpectedly inherits a quaint café in the picturesque town of Dream Harbor. Initially unsure of what to do with her new responsibilities, Jeanie quickly finds herself enchanted by the café’s warm atmosphere—and, of course, its famous pumpkin spice lattes.
As Jeanie navigates her new life in the town, she faces challenges running the café, from quirky customers to a rival business trying to steal her customers. But what really complicates things is Logan, a handsome local who seems to have his own secrets. Their slow-burn romance adds an extra layer of sweetness to this already delightful story, as Jeanie starts to find her place in Dream Harbor while learning about love, community, and new beginnings.
With its charming setting, lovable characters, and deliciously cozy vibes, The Pumpkin Spice Café is a perfect read for anyone looking to escape into a world of heartwarming romance and small-town magic.
Family Family
URL: https://amzn.to/4i4f23V
400 Pages, Paperback.
Author: Laurie Frankel
Family Family by Laurie Frankel is a warm, heartfelt exploration of the unconventional paths that lead to family and the bonds that hold us together, even in the most unexpected circumstances. The story centers around a diverse group of characters who find themselves navigating the complexities of modern family life.
At the heart of the novel is the story of a nontraditional family and their struggle to define what it means to be a family in a world that often expects us to fit into predefined boxes. The characters are real and relatable, with each facing personal challenges, whether it’s with love, identity, or the concept of belonging.
Frankel’s writing is thoughtful and full of humor, balancing the emotional weight of the story with moments of levity. The novel drives us into the deeper questions of life and what it means to love and support those closest to you, no matter what form that family might take.
Through its rich characters and powerful narrative, Family Family invites readers to reflect on their own relationships and the ties that bind them. It’s a beautiful reminder that family isn’t just about blood, it’s about the people who make us feel at home.
The Wonder
URL: https://amzn.to/40Uxu9a
291 Pages, Hardcover
Author: Emma Donoghue
The Wonder is a gripping and thought-provoking novel set in 19th-century Ireland. The story follows Lib Wright, an English nurse sent to a small village to investigate an 11-year-old girl, Anna, who claims to have survived for months without food. While the townsfolk hail her as a miracle, Lib approaches the situation with skepticism, determined to uncover the truth behind the child’s extraordinary condition.
As Lib observes Anna, she becomes entangled in the web of faith, superstition, and family secrets that surrounds the girl. What begins as a professional assignment gradually turns into a deeply emotional journey, forcing Lib to confront her own beliefs and the moral complexities of the situation.
With its atmospheric setting and vivid portrayal of life in a close-knit Irish community, the novel immerses readers in a story that balances mystery, tension, and emotional depth. The Wonder delves into the intersections of faith, science, and love, offering a story that’s as captivating as it is haunting.
The Lost Bookshop
URL: https://amzn.to/3OiWkbn
448 Pages, Paperback.
Author: Freya Winters
The Lost Bookshop is a heartwarming tale about the magic of books and the power of unexpected discoveries. The story centers on Opaline, a woman whose quiet, predictable life takes a sudden turn when she stumbles upon an enchanting, hidden bookshop. The shop, tucked away and seemingly forgotten by time, holds an irresistible charm—and more than a few secrets.
As Opaline becomes drawn into the world of the bookshop, she begins to uncover stories not just in the books but also about the people who once filled its shelves. Along the way, she finds herself reconnecting with her own dreams and passions, ones she’d long since buried under the weight of life’s responsibilities. The novel weaves together the past and present, offering a story of second chances, lost loves, and the enduring magic of literature.
Evie Woods creates a richly atmospheric setting that will resonate with anyone who has ever found comfort or inspiration in a book. The Lost Bookshop is a delightful read, perfect for anyone who believes in the transformative power of stories.
Sea of Tranquility
URL: https://amzn.to/3V0D6Ll
259 Pages, Hardcover.
Author: Emily St. John Mandel
Sea of Tranquility is a fascinating story that connects people across time, showing how their lives are linked in surprising ways. It begins in the early 1900s with Edwin, a young man who is sent to Canada after causing trouble in England. While walking alone in the woods, he experiences something strange—like a crack in time—that he can’t explain.
Years later, in the 21st century, Mirella is trying to understand why her friend disappeared. Her search leads her to an author whose work seems to describe the same strange event Edwin experienced long ago. Far into the future, an investigator named Gaspery-Jacques is tasked with solving the mystery behind this strange connection, as it might be tied to a larger puzzle about time itself.
The story moves through different time periods, exploring how lives are connected and how small moments can echo across centuries. It’s about time, choices, and the way people are linked, even if they live worlds—or centuries—apart.
Yellowface
URL: https://amzn.to/3CEYyix
336 Pages, Hardcover.
Author: R. F. Kuang
Yellowface is a gripping and thought-provoking story about ambition, deception, and the dark side of the literary world. The story begins with June, a struggling writer who witnesses the sudden death of her friend Athena, a celebrated author. In a moment of desperation and envy, June takes Athena’s unfinished manuscript, rewrites it, and publishes it as her own.
The book becomes a massive success, but June finds herself caught in a web of lies. As questions arise about the story’s authenticity and cultural origins, June faces growing backlash for her actions, especially as Athena was Asian, and June is not. The novel dives into issues like cultural appropriation, privilege, and the pressure to succeed, all while showing June’s unraveling as she tries to maintain her deception.
What makes the story so powerful is its razor-sharp exploration of the publishing industry and the ethical dilemmas that arise in the pursuit of fame and recognition. It’s a tense, fascinating look at how far someone will go to achieve their dreams—and what they’re willing to sacrifice along the way.
The Berry Pickers
URL: https://amzn.to/4fZwR2j
320 Pages, Paperback.
Author: Amanda Peters
The Berry Pickers is a deeply moving story that centers around a tragedy that changes two families forever. In the 1960s, a young girl named Ruthie vanishes from a blueberry field in Maine while her family is picking berries for the summer. Her Mi’kmaq family is left devastated, struggling with the grief of her disappearance and the lingering hope that she might still be alive.
At the same time, we meet Norma, a girl raised in a loving family far away from the berry fields. As she grows older, Norma begins to feel a sense of disconnection, as though there’s something about her past that doesn’t add up. Her quiet unease leads her to uncover secrets that challenge everything she thought she knew about herself.
The story moves between these two perspectives, weaving a tale of loss, identity, and resilience. It’s about the bonds that tie us to our families and the search for belonging, even when the truth is painful. With its heartfelt narrative, The Berry Pickers captures the emotional complexity of lives forever changed by a single moment.
If you decide to read or enjoyed any of the books from this list of cozy winter reads, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Which book are you most excited to dive into? Let me know what brings you joy in your reading journey!
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