Recommendations: Winter Reads

It’s that time of year again when the snow starts falling, the fires start crackling, and out come the coats and mittens! I don’t know if it’s because I’m a winter baby or what, but I’ve always loved wintertime. It’s the season of nostalgia and the perfect time for curling up with some hot cocoa and a good book. And to make it just a little easier or deciding what books to grab, I’ve compiled a list of some that I think would be perfect to pick up this season.

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Hunted by Meagan Spooner

This is Beauty and the Beast retelling that is just really beautiful. The writing is lyrical with lush descriptions and the story itself really evokes that sense of nostalgia that this time of year is all about. Plus, the romance is the kind of slow burner that we all love!

The Crown’s Game (The Crown’s Game, #1) by Evelyn Skye

This first book in a duology, follows two enchanters who must compete to become the Imperial Enchanter to the tsar of Russia. I haven’t gotten around to reading the sequel yet, but this book was just such a warm and fuzzy read. If you enjoyed the competition aspect of The Night Circus, then you’ll easily be able to dive into this story as well. If you’re a history lover like me, you’ll also appreciate the mix of real life with the fantastical elements.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

This book is all about nostalgia. It will remind you of the classic children’s novels you read when you were little, and still be completely enjoyable at any age. This is one book that I recommend for the entire family, especially the audiobook version. There’s a special audiobook version that includes an entire cast, music, and sound effects. IT IS AMAZING. This would be a great story to listen to while everyone sits around the fireplace in food coma after Christmas dinner.

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

Now, this story is a little bleaker than the rest on this list but I think it still fits perfectly for winter. It’s a love story set during the Civil War, but is more about the journey rather than the destination. I can’t promise you’ll finish this book all rainbows and sunshine, but I can promise that you’ll appreciate the beautiful prose. Afterwards, you can turn on the movie adaptation starring Nicole Kidman and Jude Law. It’s actually a very good adaptation that I highly recommend.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

Because Harry Potter. Duh.

A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy, #1) by Deborah Harkness

This is just one of those that you want to savor and stay up all night devouring. It has an actual vampire to fangirl over, no Edward-wannabe here! This series actual combines science with the paranormal/fantasy elements which I found to be incredibly intriguing. You can definitely see Harkness’ scholar background coming through in this series. It has actually been turned into a television show that is currently filming its first season. The wait is killllllllling me!

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

This is the perfect book if you’re in the mood for something with a wonderful cast of characters and a heartwarming story. I read this one just last month and absolutely fell in love with it. It’s charming, sweet, and is definitely a story that I can see myself revisiting for the rest of my life.

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1) by Sarah J. Maas

I don’t what it is about this trilogy, but something about it just screams winter to me. I feel like this is one of those series that you should binge it over Christmas vacation. The story, the characters, the romance – all of it will completely engross you from beginning to end. I recommend reading this one while munching on some holiday treats!

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Nothing will give you the holiday spirit quite like spending time with your loved ones, and this book will definitely get you in that kind of mood. The March sisters will make you feel like family as you follow their adventures. One of my all-time favorite books and one that is perfect to pick up this season.

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What are some books that you recommend reading during the wintertime? Have you read any of the books on my list? Do you like to reread old favorites during the holidays?