I read something recently that said reading should be a hobby and not a competition. I loved that sentiment. I used to be the type who would set a goal of "reading 25 books" this year, and then I was disappointed when I only got through 10. I think remembering to just read for fun, as a hobby, is a good reminder. So let's snuggle up in a cozy blanket and a nice cup of tea and read some of these cozy winter books.
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
Alaskan homesteaders from the 1920s Jack and Mabel (love their names by the way) are childless and drifting apart. This is a classic retelling of the fairytale The Snow Maiden. Jack and Mabel built a snow child to help deal with their grief of losing a child. Then, they start seeing a child in the woods. Is this their snow child coming to life or is it just a coincidence? It's emotional and powerful and talks about loneliness and loss while focusing on beautiful bonds of love.
Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy
Franny is a wanderer who decides to take an epic adventure to Greenland and follow the last flock of tern through their last migration. But Franny has some dark secrets. As these secrets begin to unfold, a secret love affair, a crime, it's coming to light that Franny might be chasing more than just birds.
Hygge and Kisses by Clara Christensen
Curl up with some hot cocoa and a warm blanket and hop into this Denmark story. Embrace the Danish hygge life with this romantic novel. As Kristen's life begins to unravel her friend convinces her to take a hygge holiday and learn to enjoy the little things in life again. This book is a cozy, light romance read.
Snowblind by Ragnar Jonasson
A Scandinavian murder mystery set in an Icelandic fishing village. A young detective is determined to under cover the secrets that the village people would rather keep hidden deep like the snow that surrounds the town. The main character faces many challenges both internal and external as he takes on a new job and a death that may or may not have been accidental.
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
Recommended for fans of Little Fires Everywhere this book is about two families' stories that span across several decades. We start with 2 kids who bond together two neighboring families through their friendship, but the families go their separate ways and what seemed destined to be is no more. Thirty years later, their bonds and loyalty will be tested. The author explores real and raw issues such as mental health, parental abandonment, and alcoholism.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
A historical fiction inspired by the midwife Martha in the 1790s, who after delivering a baby, was tasked with examining a body found frozen in the river. Martha discovers he was murdered and documents it in her diary. However, a physician undermines her and decides his death was accidental. Months prior the dead man was accused of attacking and raping a woman and now Martha's diary will be used as evidence in a trial and Martha must decide where her loyalties lie. A unique story about a woman who defied the legal system and wrote herself into American History.
Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen
The main character takes over her family's match-making business in this Lunar New Year celebration story! When a guy creates a dating app, she declares war as they battle it out to see who can make the best matches. While she knows not to fall for the handsome guy who believes traditions should be broken, will he steal her heart like he did her business?
The Winter Witch by Paula Brackston
Morgana has not spoken since she was a young girl. Her silence is a mystery, as is her magic. To remove Morgana from the town whispers, her mother arranges her to be married to a man she does not know. With this story, you are transported back to 19th-century Wales where in the wild nature, Morgana's powers begin to bloom. As a string of misfortunes begins to happen around them, can Morgana learn to harness her power to save those that she loves.
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn
This is the story that inspired the Netflix series Dash and Lily. If you haven't seen the series, Lily leaves a notebook with clues in it, Dash finds it, and the two pass the notebook back and forth in different locations across New York without ever meeting, all while their bond is growing. But will Dash and Lily connect as well when they meet in person, as the notebook versions of themselves?
Wintering by Katherine May
"The power of rest and retreat in difficult times". Nature rests to become transformation after winter and this book reminds us that we should too. A bit like a memoir, where the author shares different stories and anecdotes from her life. It may give you a fresh perspective on some tough times.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
Set in Russia, this book is like a medieval fairytale where the weather is almost like a character as well. The wise Russians fear Frost, the blue-eyed water demon, and honor the spirits of the forest to keep their homes safe. Vasya's new "evil stepmother" does not allow honoring the spirits and now misfortune has befallen the village. Vasya, the main character has to try to tap into concealed gifts to save her village and family. ** This is part of a Winternight Trilogy
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
A delightful group of seniors in a retirement home form a "murder club" to solve murders "for fun". The quirky characters quickly find themselves in the middle of their first case. With lots of personality, British humor, and twists and turns! This story has a lot of different character perspectives and makes for a good audio listen. Good for people who are fans of Only Murders in the Building.
** Bonus points - It is being made into a Netflix film to be released later in 2025, for those who like to read before they watch.
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