As the winter gets colder, and there is snow on the ground, what is more enjoyable than getting cozy on the couch, with a hot chocolate and a perfect book in hand? Nothing. Here are some ideal books to keep on your radar the next time you are in need of a cozy book to cuddle up with while it’s below freezing outside.
#5: “Once Upon a Broken Heart” by Stephanie Garber
“Once Upon a Broken Heart” by Stephanie Garber is the perfect cozy winter fantasy read for any booklover. The story is about a girl named Evangeline as she explores the incredible world of the Magnificent North. Evangeline strikes a desperate deal with the Prince of Hearts to keep the man she loves from marrying someone else. But, the Prince of Hearts does not take deals lightly, and she will have to be smart if she wants to survive the Magnificent North and the dangerous consequences of her deal. The world and characters will make you immediately fall in love with the book and cozy winter vibes. The story involves a sweet romance and great suspense that keeps the reader from being able to put down the book.
#4: “Cinder” by Marissa Meyer
In need of a twisted fairytale set in the far future? “Cinder” by Marissa Meyer is a Cinderella retelling that involves an intergalactic war, a fatal plague and a forbidden romance with the Crown Prince. It follows Lihn Cinder, a talented yet mistreated cyborg mechanic who finds herself in the middle of a deadly secret. When she catches the eye of Prince Kai, she is forced to begin research on the mysterious plague. Along the way, she uncovers secrets about her true identity and what it could mean for the Earth. With themes of self-discovery and hopeful thinking, “Cinder” by Marissa Meyer is a perfect book to bundle up with this winter. Its cold, dystopian vibe and witty characters make this novel action-packed and extremely suspenseful, something you won’t want to miss in the next few chilly months.
#3: “Beartown” by Fredrick Backman
“Beartown” by Fredrick Backman is perfect for dark winter days, where a more serious book can help set the mood. The book follows a small and poor Swedish town that can only be saved by one thing—the junior hockey team winning the championship. The book follows many different perspectives as the town navigates through a crime that was committed by the star hockey player. “Beartown” is a book that has its ups and downs and is an overall great winter read. The book’s cold and dark setting makes it the perfect book to read on a rainy winter day.
#2: “The Crash” by Frieda McFadden
Need a book to keep you warm on the chilliest of winter nights? Without a doubt, “The Crash” by Freida McFadden will have your heart racing in anticipation the entire time. This thriller follows a very pregnant Tegan as she rushes to leave her old life behind and hits the gas pedal on the road. Unfortunately for her, Tegan is close to the worst blizzard she’s ever encountered, leaving her with a broken ankle and a crashed car. Just when she thinks all hope is lost, it seems she’s caught the attention of a man nearby. When he offers her a place to stay, Tegan has no choice but to accept refuge in his and his wife’s cabin. But something is off about this couple and their secluded house, and Tegan begins to realize her greatest danger may not have been the blizzard. As the snow melts, deadly secrets begin to reveal themselves, and if Tegan is not careful, the lives of her and her baby could be at terrible risk. “The Crash” features jaw-dropping plot twists that we could never see coming. McFadden has a way of turning a story inside out, and it truly makes you question how well you really know the characters, emphasizing how important perspective is. Its icy atmosphere matches that of a winter night, so I recommend getting extra cozy—you’ll be finishing this book in one sitting!
#1: “Fake Skating” by Lynn Painter
Winter is the perfect season to cozy up with a good book and “Fake Skating” by Lynn Painter is perfect for the occasion. The book follows Dani Collins, who always looked forward to visiting her grandfather in Michigan, where she would see her best friend, sweet and nerdy Alec Barcewski, until her family stopped visiting, and the two grew apart. Now a senior in high school, she’s back in town. When she arrives, she finds out that Alec is now a hockey star in a hockey-obsessed town. As Dani begins settling down in her new home, a rumor about Alec surfaces in town, risking his future. She finds herself in a fake relationship with Alec in a desperate attempt to save his hockey career. Lynn Painter is the queen of rom-coms, and this is shown in “Fake Skating.” With its lovable characters, and hilarious plot this book is a must read. The winter setting and hockey aspects of this book make it a perfect read for a snowy day.
