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Winter’s arrival is perfect for cozy indulgences: a steaming cup of hot chocolate, a snug blanket, and an excellent book. So, in keeping with the winter theme, why not cuddle up with a book that takes place in winter? The books below offer a compelling escape into wintry worlds and are tailored to adults of all ages.
If you’re seeking recommendations for kids, explore our curated list of the Best Winter Books for Kids of all ages.
Snuggle in and experience the enchantment of the season through these pages!
Table of Contents
Winter Fiction Books
Below are some of the best fiction books set in winter. We’ve curated it down to a handful of the most highly-reviewed books to make choosing easier!
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah – Novel
This very highly-rated novel takes place in 1970s Alaska during the winter – and it’s a perfect winter read you won’t want to put down. It’s the story of the Allbright family’s struggles, heartbreak, survival, and love amid an Alaskan winter.
The Shining by Stephen King – Horror
There’s a reason this classic thriller is touted as one of King’s best! The Shining is the story of a hotel caretaker snowed in at an old (haunted) hotel with his family. After getting snowed in, Jack is forced to face his demons, creating a slow slide into madness that will have you on the edge of your seat – or hiding under it.
Beartown Series by Fredrik Backman – Novels
The three books in the Beartown series are Beartown, Us Against You, and The Winners. These emotional stories are from Beartown, a struggling small community that puts everything into its junior ice hockey team. Not a sports fan? That’s okay – the books are page-turners that are less about hockey and more about what it means to be human.
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie – Mystery
This classic mystery occurs during a snowstorm on a passenger train through the Balkan mountains. It’s one of the best tales of the detective, Hercule Poirot, that will keep you guessing right up to the surprise ending!
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivy – Novel
The Snow Child is about an Alaskan couple who homestead during the 1920s. In their grief over childlessness, they miraculously discover a little girl living in the woods and come to love her. This page-turner spins a beautiful and bittersweet tale you won’t soon forget.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden – Science Fiction/Fantasy
Russian folk and fairy tales are integral to this fantasy, taking place in the Russian woods where winter is prominent. Elements of magic, nature, and religion, along with skilled character development, will draw you into its world and keep you there.
The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse – Mystery/Thriller
This suspenseful book starts in the middle of a blizzard in a Swiss Alps hotel that was a former sanatorium. A British detective on vacation gets drawn into a murder mystery with twists and turns to the end.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis – Classic Fantasy (all ages)
Here’s a classic winter tale that’s not just for the kids! It’s the story of four siblings in Narnia during an eternal winter ruled by the White Witch. They have countless adventures, exemplifying courage, kindness, and hope! This is the second book of the well-loved Chronicles of Narnia series, but it can also be read independently.
Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher – Novel
This sweet story is set in a Scotland winter and makes the perfect cozy winter read with a satisfying ending! It’s a beautifully crafted book that draws you into the lives of real-life-like characters during the holiday season.
Winter Street Series by Elin Hilderbrand – Novel
Here’s the perfect winter series to get you through the season! These easy-to-read novels give you a front-row seat at the Winter Street Inn in Nantucket. Each book takes place during the holiday season, where you can feel a part of the dysfunctional Quinn family’s relationships, drama, and joy! The series includes Winter Street, Winter Stroll, Winter Storms, and Winter Solstice.
Non-fiction Winter Books
Below, find some winter-themed non-fiction books to soak up the season!
The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well
Author Meik Wiking created a beautiful guide to hygge, a Danish concept for creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere (and life). It includes helpful tips, recipes, illustrations, and photographs.
Making Winter: A Hygge-Inspired Guide to Surviving the Winter Months
Here’s another excellent hygge book by Emma Mitchell to get you through the winter season! It includes several hygge-inspired craft projects, recipes, and other seasonal activities.
Northeaster: A Story of Courage & Survival in the Blizzard of 1952
If you’re looking for a real-life winter survival story, look no further! Cathie Pelletier tells the story of a devastating 1952 snowstorm in Maine. The book holds plenty of interesting historical facts with the addition of exciting characters to really bring it to life.
The Year-Round Vegetable Gardener
Author Niki Jabbour learned how to grow vegetables year-round by gardening in Nova Scotia. So, if you’re looking for winter gardening techniques, this book is for you! It includes tips for what to plant during the colder months and instructions for cold frames and tunnels.
The Ultimate Winter Survival Handbook
Survival expert Tim Macwelch (with the editors of Outdoor Life) put together an excellent guide for winter survival and more! It addresses outdoor situations and how-tos for being trapped in a car or house during extreme winter weather.
Winter Swimming: The Nordic Way Towards a Healthier & Happier Life
Dr. Susanna Soberg created this excellently illustrated book with the benefits and how-tos of cold-water swimming. It’s a guide for beginners wanting to explore the topic and dip their toes in the icy water.
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times
This beautifully written book by Katherine May is less about the winter season and more about weathering the difficult times of life. It’s a great read during a time when many experience seasonal affective disorder. The book is a memoir-style narrative with takeaways for the reader.
Winter Wonderland Adult Coloring Book
Creative Haven brings you this gorgeous adult coloring book to enjoy all the fun and coziness of the winter season! Thirty-one super-detailed winter scenes help you reduce stress and relax while coloring.
The Complete Autumn & Winter Cookbook
America’s Test Kitchen includes over 550 cozy recipes in this beautiful seasonal cookbook! The recipes are ideal for long, cold winters and include dinner, baking, celebratory dishes, and gift ideas.
Next:
• Winter Books for Kids: Discover the Best Books for Any Age
• Winter Hiking Gear: Best winter hiking boots, pants
• Fun Indoor Winter Activities For Everyone
• Try a Fun Winter Scavenger Hunt! [+ free printables]