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One of my favorite ways to decompress — especially this time of year — is with a book. Like a really, really good book. The kind that transports me away from my own thoughts for an hour or two. Whether you’re a fan of romance, thrillers, or just plain fiction, here’s a list of my favorite cozy winter reads that do just that, plus a few that have earned spots on my “To Read” list for 2025!
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Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
My top book last year was The House in The Cerulean Sea, so it’s only fitting that another one of TJ Klune’s books makes its way to my 2024 list. While the overall theme of Under the Whispering Door is pretty dark, I loved the setting of the story. I describe it to people by saying, “Imagine Ebenezer Scrooge walks into a mystical tea shop in the middle of the woods.”
The story follows Wallace, a selfish workaholic lawyer who recently passed away from a heart attack. He’s then brought to a café called Charron’s Crossing. This is where he meets Hugo, who promises to help him cross over to “the other side.” While death and grief are central to the plot, it’s still an incredibly heartwarming story of hope, found family, and self-discovery.
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
I read this book over the summer, and at the time, I was kicking myself for not waiting until the winter to read it. You know how some books just instantly give cozy vibes? Part of Your World is one of them.
The story takes place in snowy Minnesota and follows Alexis Montgomery, an overworked surgeon whose world turns upside down when she finds out her boyfriend has been unfaithful. When her car unexpectedly gets stuck in a ditch, she meets Daniel Grant, a small-town carpenter who owns a local bed and breakfast. Oh, and he’s the local mayor.
The book alternates between Alexis, who is closed off to the idea of love, and Daniel, who would do anything to keep Alexis in his life. It’s an unconventional love story that includes gooey grilled cheese sandwiches and a baby goat … need I say more?
The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf
I talked about this book in a previous installment of Brianna’s Books, but I’d be remiss not to mention it in a winter-related reading list. After all, the bulk of the book takes place during a winter snowstorm. It’s a thrilling mystery that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat until the last few pages.
The book follows true crime novelist Wylie Lark, who escapes to a rural farmhouse in the middle of a winter storm in hopes of finishing her latest novel. She soon finds out the house isn’t as secluded as she thought when a child shows up at her doorstep. It doesn’t take long for Wylie to get the feeling that someone else is watching them.
Just decades earlier, the farmhouse where Wylie is staying was the scene of multiple murders and the disappearance of a young girl. The book alternates between the past and present, which left me constantly questioning my perception of reality. I’d recommend this book if you’re looking for a thriller that will transport you to an eerie (and very snowy) small town.
We’ll Prescribe You A Cat by Syou Ishida
I also talked about this one in an installment of Brianna’s Books, but it’s shaping up to be my favorite read of 2024. Not to mention that few things are as cozy as cuddly cats.
The title alone does a standup job of describing the overall plot of the book — which is a collection of short stories. Each one follows a different person who is experiencing an emotionally trying time. When patients visit the mysterious Kokoro Clinic for the Soul — which is only discovered through word of mouth — they are each prescribed a cat. Yes, like a living, breathing cat.
In addition to being an easy read, I loved how each chapter highlighted a new character and theme. It’s a cute and cozy book all about healing, self-discovery, and the power of the human-animal connection.
To Be Read: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
I’ve read a few of Christina Lauren’s books before, and they’re always feel-good romantic comedy-type reads. While I typically don’t read holiday books, this one caught my eye as it has all the elements of a good love story.
Maelyn Jones (otherwise known as “Mae”) is stuck at a crossroads. She’s back living with her parents, hates her career, and her romantic life is seemingly going nowhere. The worst part? This is the final year Mae’s family will be going to their Utah cabin for Christmas.
While driving to the cabin for the very last time — and amidst a mental breakdown — Mae finds herself in a life-altering car accident. When she wakes up after the crash, she is on an airplane to Utah. The strangest part of it all is that Mae soon learns she is going on the same vacation where she was headed before her car accident.
To Be Read: Shady Hollow by Juneau Black
I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but that is the sole reason why I first grabbed this one off the shelf. However, after reading the synopsis, I can’t wait to start reading my copy. Here’s the gist: it’s a whodunnit, but the cast of characters are all adorable forest animals … what’s more cozy than that?!
The main character, who is a fox, is a reporter named Vera Vixen. She’s new to Shady Hollow, but it doesn’t take long for her to sniff out a story. When Vera hears that a recent death might actually be a murder, she’s determined to find out the truth.
To Be Read: Good Material by Dolly Alderton
I’ve been hearing rumblings about Good Material for a while now, but seeing that The New York Times named it one of “The 10 Best Books of 2024” solidified my desire to read it. After all, it’s a romantic comedy that’s said to be full of meet-cutes and witty dialogue.
The novel is written from the perspective of a standup comedian named Andy, who is trying to navigate heartbreak after losing the love of his life, Jen. He is determined to figure out why his relationship with Jen failed and why everyone seems to be able to find love except him. Not to mention, it’s a book written by a female from a man’s perspective!
To Be Read: A Court of Thorns & Roses by Sarah J. Maas
This has been on my TBR list since the beginning of the year, and 2025 is finally going to be the year I read this series. I see it all over social media, and a few StyleBlueprint team members can’t stop gushing about it. I’m typically not a fantasy reader, but almost everyone I know who’s read this series says they blew their way through it.
The first novel in the series, A Court of Thorns & Roses, follows 19-year-old Feyre, who is captured by a faerie after she kills a wolf in the woods. She soon finds herself catching feelings for her captor and falling in love with a mythical land she’s been told dangerous stories about.
Happy reading!
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