Perfect Winter Reads

Colder weather makes us want to curl up with a good book! Needing some cozy reading suggestions to get you through the winter? Check out our recommendations below!

Adults:

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

A dual-timeline novel about two sisters, Meredith and Nina Whitson, who have a cold, distant relationship with their Russian mother, Anya. When their father falls ill, he makes his wife promise to tell them the full version of a Russian fairy tale she used to tell. After his death, the sisters learn this fairy tale is the story of their mother's life in war-torn Leningrad during World War II, and the secrets she kept are a painful truth that will change their family forever. 

And to All a Good Bite by David Rosenfelt

Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter must once again step out of retirement to defend his client, Jeff Wheeler. Two years after a deadly building explosion that Jeff survived along with a dog named Rufus, the building's owner is murdered. Jeff, who has long suspected the owner was responsible for the explosion, is the prime suspect, and Andy must uncover the truth to save him. 

Five Golden Wings by Donna Andrews

Meg Langslow's holiday is disrupted by two feuding cousins who are having rival weddings on the same day in Caerphilly. As Meg and her mother try to keep the peace, she discovers the wedding photographer murdered in a cemetery. The investigation involves a long list of suspects, including the wedding parties, as Meg must solve the murder before the double wedding is overshadowed by disaster. 

A Sea Glass Christmas by Davis Bunn

The second book in Davis Bunn's An Outer Banks Novel series, following the story of Rae Alden, an attorney who is reunited with Brody, the man she once loved. Set on the North Carolina coast, the Christmas-themed story explores their second chance at romance amidst new family dramas and old secrets.

Murder at the Christmas Emporium by Andreina Cordani

It's Christmas Eve at the Emporium, a bespoke gift shop hidden in the depths of London's winding streets, where a select few shoppers are browsing its handcrafted delights. But when they go to leave, they find the doors are locked and it isn't long before they realize this is no innocent mix-up. The shoppers have been trapped here by someone who knows their darkest secrets, someone will stop at nothing until they have all been unwrapped—and there is a gruesome gift waiting in Santa's grotto . . .

Winter Work by Dan Fesperman

As East Germany collapses, Stasi colonel Emil Grimm finds a colleague dead in an apparent suicide and suspects their last covert mission is to blame. Meanwhile, CIA agent Claire Saylor’s assignment in Berlin turns deadly when a secret contact goes rogue. Their paths collide as they face a hidden enemy and fight to survive in a world where loyalties shift by the day.

The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore

A festive, grumpy-sunshine romance about Kira, a Christmas-hating woman who buys a tree farm and gets snowed in with Bennett, a man who loves to fix things. Despite her initial grumpiness, Kira slowly opens up to Bennett, who is in town trying to escape his own pattern of being needed rather than loved for who he is. They work together to run the farm, navigate a local mystery about a hidden treasure, and develop a romantic connection filled with Christmas activities and a fiery spark. 

Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle

A romantic comedy about Maybell Parish, a timid dreamer who inherits a dilapidated mansion in the Smoky Mountains from her great-aunt. To her surprise, she must share the inheritance with Wesley Koehler, the estate's reclusive and grumpy groundskeeper, who clashes with Maybell over the property's future. Forced to work together to clear out the cluttered house, they slowly begin to see past their initial antagonism and discover a sweet, slow-burn romance. 

The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler

A grumpy-sunshine romantic comedy about a perpetually grumpy Alaskan diner owner named Graham, who loathes tourists, and a sunny, enthusiastic tourist named Zoey who visits his small town. Despite his policy against tourists, Zoey challenges his worldview, leading to humorous interactions and a burgeoning romance.

Always, In December by Emily Stone

Every December, Josie mails a three-word letter to her late parents—Missing you, always. But when a chance collision with Max, a fellow Christmas avoider, leads to an unexpected holiday together, she begins to hope for new love. Then Max vanishes without goodbye. Over the next year, fate keeps pulling them together—from New York to Edinburgh to the English countryside—as Josie slowly uncovers why Max left, and whether their paths are meant to finally join when Christmas comes again.

The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah by Jean Meltzer

Evelyn Schwartz has her dream Hanukkah planned—eight hectic days producing a live TV musical—until a mishap sends her to the studio doctor and face-to-face with her ex-husband, David Adler. As Evelyn begins hallucinating “ghosts” from past heartbreaks, all pointing back to David, the two are drawn together again despite their unresolved history. With the production’s pressure mounting and old wounds resurfacing, it may take a Hanukkah miracle for Evelyn and David to discover whether they have a second chance at love.

A Christmas Witness by Charles Todd

December 1921: Being single and a new Chief, Inspector Rutledge of Scotland Yard gets the short straw at Christmastime and is called upon by Chief Superintendent Markum to go to the Kentish home of a lord recovering from an attempt on his life. Struggling with his own demons and misgivings about helping a man who, as a colonel, oversaw the suffering of those on the frontlines from afar, Rutledge undertakes an uneasy investigation. And as the winter holiday approaches, he becomes increasingly convinced that nothing is as it seems…

Young Adult:

Let it Snow: Three Holiday Romances by John Green

Let It Snow brings together three interconnected holiday romances set in a small town during a Christmas Eve snowstorm. As the storm strands travelers and stirs up chaos, three separate couples find unexpected love—each story weaving into the next for a warm, funny, and charming holiday tale.

Snow in Love by Aimee Friedman

Snow in Love features four holiday romances—sweet, cozy stories about unexpected crushes, rekindled connections, and the magic of winter break. Each tale captures the charm, hope, and sparkling possibilities that come with snow, friendship, and first love.

A Court of Thornes and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses tells the story of Feyre, a mortal huntress who is taken to the faerie realm after killing a mysterious wolf. There, she becomes entangled with a powerful fae lord, uncovering dark secrets, dangerous magic, and a curse that only she may be able to break. It’s a blend of fantasy, romance, and high-stakes adventure.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Mia is a talented teenage cellist who hovers between life and death after a devastating car accident. As she relives her most meaningful memories and sees the aftermath unfold, she must make the impossible choice: to stay and face a changed life, or to let go.

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone follows Alina Starkov, an ordinary soldier who discovers she has a rare magical power that could save her war-torn nation. Whisked into the elite Grisha world, she must learn to control her abilities while navigating dangerous secrets, rising darkness, and the powerful leader who wants to shape her destiny.

Wicked As You Wish by Rin Chupeco

Tala, a girl immune to magic, teams up with the exiled prince of Avalon when he arrives in her Arizona town. As an ancient evil threatens to rise, Tala and a band of young heroes set out on a quest across a world shaped by twisted fairy tales, dangerous magic, and political intrigue.

Winterkeep by Kristin Cashore

Winterkeep follows Queen Bitterblue as she travels to the distant kingdom of Winterkeep to secure an alliance, only to find herself entangled in courtly intrigue, dark magic, and secrets that could threaten her reign. As danger and betrayal mount, she must navigate treachery and trust to protect her kingdom—and herself.

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

Teenage detective-in-training Stevie Bell, who enrolls at Ellingham Academy, a school for the gifted, attempts to solve the decades-old kidnapping and murder case of the founder’s family. As she unravels the school’s secrets, Stevie must balance her quest for justice with the dangers lurking closer than she expects.

Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee

In Meet Cute Diary, Jamie, a teen who secretly writes a diary chronicling every romantic “meet-cute” they witness—until a new girl at school, Elle, turns one entry into reality. As friendship blossoms into something more, Jamie must navigate first love, self-discovery, and the courage to share their true feelings.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Between Shades of Gray tells the harrowing story of Lina, a teenage girl deported from Lithuania to a Siberian labor camp during World War II. Facing brutal conditions, hunger, and loss, Lina clings to hope, courage, and the power of her art to survive and document the horrors around her.

Junior Fiction:

Greenglass House by Kate Milford

Greenglass House follows Milo, the son of an innkeeper, who expects a quiet winter at his family’s mysterious inn—until unexpected guests arrive with secrets, and a smuggling mystery from long ago resurfaces. Milo must unravel clues, uncover hidden motives, and navigate a house full of intrigue to solve the puzzle.

The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling

Jack, a boy whose beloved toy is lost on Christmas Eve, and his new toy, the Christmas Pig, who comes to life to help him, embark on a magical adventure through a fantastical world of lost toys to rescue what Jack loves most, discovering courage, hope, and the true spirit of Christmas along the way.

A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig

A Boy Called Christmas follows young Nikolas, a humble boy who sets out on a magical journey to find his missing father and discovers the wonder of the North Pole. Along the way, he encounters elves, talking reindeer, and unexpected adventures that reveal the origins of Santa Claus.

Absolutely Truly by Heather Vogel Frederick

Truly Lovejoy, a spirited girl adjusting to life in a small town with her quirky family, navigates school, friendships, and community events. Truly learns about self-confidence, kindness, and the joy of embracing her unique personality.

The Dogs of Winter by Bobbie Pyron

The Dogs of Winter follows a young boy who, after a family tragedy, forms an unlikely bond with a stray dog. As they navigate loss, loneliness, and the challenges of survival, their friendship becomes a source of healing, resilience, and hope in a harsh world.

Alone by Megan E. Freeman

Alone tells the story of a young girl who wakes up in a deserted, post-apocalyptic world with no memory of what happened. As she searches for answers and struggles to survive, she uncovers secrets about herself, the mysterious disaster, and the people who might still be out there.

The Last Holiday Concert by Andrew Clements

The Last Holiday Concert follows Hart Evans, a fifth-grader reluctantly cast as the new band leader when the music teacher announces her retirement. As he navigates the challenges of leadership, teamwork, and self-confidence, Hart learns the true meaning of friendship, responsibility, and the joy of music.

The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

The Long Winter follows the Ingalls family as they struggle to survive one of the harshest winters in Dakota Territory. Facing blizzards, food shortages, and relentless cold, the family relies on courage, perseverance, and community to endure the season’s hardships.

A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat

A Wish in the Dark tells the story of Pong, a boy born in prison who escapes into the city of Chattana, where the rich and powerful hold all the privilege. As Pong navigates a world of corruption, injustice, and moral choices, he must decide who he wants to be and what kind of hero he can become.

The Sea in Winter by Christine Day

Maisie, a Native teen and competitive swimmer, whose world is upended after a car accident leaves her temporarily paralyzed, navigates physical therapy, changing friendships, and self-identity, Maisie learns resilience, courage, and the power of finding hope in unexpected places.

Children's Books:

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

The Snowy Day follows Peter, a young boy, as he experiences the wonder of his first snowfall. From making snow angels to exploring the quiet, sparkling world outside, the story captures the simple joys, curiosity, and magic of a snowy day through Peter’s eyes.

The Christmas Pinata by Jack Kent

A group of children set out to create a piñata for Christmas, only for it to be accidentally broken before the celebration. Through teamwork, creativity, and holiday spirit, they learn about sharing, problem-solving, and the true joy of giving.

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

Owl Moon follows a young child and their father as they venture out on a quiet, snowy night to go owling. Through the stillness of the forest and the bond between parent and child, the story captures the magic of nature, patience, and shared wonder.

Elf Pets: An Arctic Fox Tradition by Chanda A. Bell

Elf Pets: An Arctic Fox Tradition follows the magical adventures of an Arctic fox Elf Pet who helps children experience the wonder of Christmas. Through acts of kindness, teamwork, and holiday spirit, the Elf Pet teaches the true meaning of giving and the magic of the season.

The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper

The Shortest Day celebrates the winter solstice, capturing the beauty of the season through simple text and evocative illustrations. It explores themes of nature, light, and the quiet magic of the shortest day of the year.

Santa's First Christmas by Mac Barnett

Santa’s First Christmas imagines the very first Christmas through the eyes of Santa Claus. With humor and heart, the story follows Santa as he learns the joy of giving, discovers his role in spreading holiday cheer, and begins the tradition of Christmas as we know it.

The Night Before Hanukkah by Natasha Wing

The Night Before Hanukkah is a festive retelling of the holiday’s story, capturing the excitement and traditions of Hanukkah. With playful rhymes and charming illustrations, it follows a family as they celebrate, light the menorah, and enjoy the warmth and joy of the season.

Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story by Sean Taylor

Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story follows woodland animals as they prepare for and settle into their winter hibernation. Through gentle storytelling and illustrations, the book explores themes of rest, preparation, and the rhythms of nature during the cold season.

Santa is Coming to Kansas by Steve Smallman

Santa Is Coming to Kansas follows Santa Claus on his holiday journey to deliver gifts across the state of Kansas. Filled with festive cheer, whimsical illustrations, and holiday excitement, the story captures the magic and anticipation of Christmas for children everywhere.

It's Winter! by Renee Kurilla

It’s Winter! celebrates the sights, sounds, and activities of the winter season. With playful text and vibrant illustrations, the book explores snow, cold-weather fun, and the cozy joys that make winter a magical time for children.

A Stray Dog for Christmas: How Suzy was Adopted by Jack Jokinen

A Stray Dog for Christmas follows Suzy, a lonely stray dog, as she searches for a loving home. Through kindness, patience, and holiday magic, Suzy finds her forever family, capturing the warmth and joy of Christmas and the spirit of adoption.