Winter, with its frosty landscapes and cozy nights, has always been a fertile ground for storytellers. It’s a time for reflection, for huddling close to the warmth of a fire, and for losing oneself in tales that echo the quiet and introspective nature of the season. In this blog post, I’ve gathered a selection of winter-themed books for adults that are perfect for these long, cold nights.
From thrilling mysteries set against snowy backdrops to heartwarming tales of love and survival in the harshest of winters, these books promise to transport you to worlds where the chill in the air is as much a character as the people in the story.
Whether you’re a fan of suspense, romance, fantasy, or literary fiction, there’s something in this list that will make your winter reading experience truly enchanting. So, grab a blanket and a hot cup of tea, and prepare to dive into these captivating winter reads.
Related: 15 Great Winter Books for Kids
Winter Books for Adults
Here are our top picks for winter books for adults:
1. Winter Solstice, by Rosamunde Pilcher
In “Winter Solstice,” Rosamunde Pilcher weaves a tale set in the quaint English village of Dibton. Elfrida Phipps, a former London stage actress, finds herself in Dibton, seeking a fresh start but grappling with loneliness. Her life intersects with Oscar Blundell, a musician who sacrificed his career for family, and Carrie, who returns from Austria amidst family squabbles and takes responsibility for her niece, Lucy. Sam Howard, seeking to rebuild his life after a marital split, is drawn to the Scottish landscape and a house that seems like a haven. Their lives converge unexpectedly at a large estate house near Creagan, Scotland, following a tragedy. This story beautifully captures the essence of human connections and the unexpected ways lives intertwine, set against the backdrop of a picturesque winter.
2. Winter Garden, by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah’s “Winter Garden” is a poignant narrative spanning generations and continents. It intertwines the lives of two sisters, Nina and Meredith, and their mother, Anya, who shares a haunting tale of her past in Leningrad during World War II. The story oscillates between the harrowing experiences of Anya in 1941 Leningrad, besieged and struggling, and the present-day challenges faced by her daughters in Alaska. As Nina and Meredith delve deeper into their mother’s story, they uncover a shocking family secret that reshapes their understanding of their heritage and themselves. This novel is a testament to the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of devastating war and personal trials.
3. One By One, by Freida McFadden
Freida McFadden’s “One By One” is a gripping psychological thriller set against the backdrop of an ill-fated vacation. Claire Matchett’s anticipation of a relaxing break from her hectic life quickly turns into a nightmare when her minivan breaks down, leaving her group stranded and lost in the woods. As they navigate the treacherous wilderness, members of the group begin to mysteriously fall, one by one. The suspense intensifies as they grapple with the possibility of a predator in their midst. McFadden masterfully crafts a tale of suspense and mystery, where the line between hunter and hunted blurs, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
4. Rock Paper Scissors, by Alice Feeney
“Rock Paper Scissors” by Alice Feeney is a thrilling exploration of a marriage on the brink of collapse. Mr. and Mrs. Wright, Adam and Amelia, find themselves in Scotland, hoping to salvage their relationship. Adam, a workaholic screenwriter with face blindness, and Amelia, his enigmatic wife, engage in a unique anniversary tradition of exchanging letters. However, this trip is no ordinary getaway, and as they confront ten years of buried secrets, the couple realizes that their trip is part of a sinister plan. Feeney skillfully weaves a narrative filled with twists and turns, where secrets and lies culminate in a shocking anniversary they will never forget, making this novel a compelling read for fans of domestic thrillers.
5. Winter, by Ali Smith
Ali Smith’s “Winter” is a part of her acclaimed Seasonal Quartet, a novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of winter’s starkness. The story revolves around Art, his mother, and other family members who converge in a fifteen-bedroom house in Cornwall for Christmas. As they gather, Art’s mother begins to see things, and so does Art. Smith’s narrative is a blend of reality and surrealism, exploring themes of history, memory, art, and love. The novel scrutinizes the post-truth era with a critical eye, offering a story that is as much about the visible transformations of winter as it is about the invisible changes within human beings.
6. Beartown, by Fredrik Backman
Fredrik Backman’s “Beartown” is a profound exploration of community, loyalty, and the weight of dreams. In a small forest town, the hopes of the community rest on the shoulders of a junior ice hockey team poised to compete in the national semi-finals. The story focuses on various town members, including Kevin, Amat, and Benji, as they navigate the pressures and expectations of their town. However, a violent act following a match sets off a chain of events that ripples through Beartown, bringing to light the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and the challenging decisions that define us. Backman’s narrative is a compelling examination of how sports can unite and divide a community, and how the actions of a few can impact many.
7. Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, by Robert Frost
“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost, presented as a picture book, captures the serene beauty of a winter evening. This edition, enhanced with new designs and additional details by Susan Jeffers, brings to life the frosty New England scenes with more animals hidden among the trees. The poem, known for its simple yet profound depiction of a traveler pausing to appreciate the quiet delights of winter, resonates with readers of all ages. The book, with its vellum jacket resembling a frost-covered windowpane, is not just a celebration of the season but also a testament to Frost’s enduring legacy as a Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet.
8. Snow Falling on Cedars, by David Guterson
David Guterson’s “Snow Falling on Cedars” is set in 1954 on the island of San Piedro, off the northwest coast of America. The novel centers around the trial of Kabuo Miyamoto, a Japanese American accused of murder. In the post-World War II era, the community is rife with anger and suspicion, raising questions about whether Kabuo can receive a fair trial. The story delves into the complexities of racial tensions and the quest for justice, against the backdrop of a community still grappling with the aftermath of war. Guterson’s narrative skillfully intertwines the personal histories of its characters with the broader societal issues of the time.
9. Peace Like a River, by Leif Enger
Leif Enger’s debut novel, “Peace Like A River,” is a mesmerizing tale of miracles, tragedy, and love. The story is narrated by eleven-year-old Reuben Land, an asthmatic boy who believes in miracles. Along with his sister and father, Reuben embarks on a cross-country journey in search of his outlaw older brother, accused of murder. This quest unfolds into a profound exploration of family, faith, and the resilience of love against the backdrop of the Midwest. Enger’s prose is both magical and potent, crafting a narrative that is as much about the miracles of everyday life as it is about the extraordinary events that shape our destinies.
10. Snow Country, by Yasunari Kawabata
In “Snow Country” by Yasunari Kawabata, translated by Edward G. Seidensticker, the story unfolds in a remote mountain hot spring, shrouded in snow. It tells of the poignant, doomed romance between Shimamura, a wealthy dilettante, and Komako, a lowly geisha. Komako, in her deep affection, gives herself fully to Shimamura, despite understanding the fleeting nature of their relationship and its inevitable end. Kawabata deptly captures the essence of their love affair, set against the stark, beautiful backdrop of snow country, creating a novel rich in emotion and subtle implications about the nature of love and longing.
11. In the Midst of Winter, by Isabel Allende
“In the Midst of Winter” by Isabel Allende begins with a chance encounter during a Brooklyn snowstorm. Richard Bowmaster, a lonely university professor, accidentally hits the car of Evelyn Ortega, a young undocumented immigrant from Guatemala. This incident leads to an unexpected intertwining of lives when Evelyn seeks help from Richard, who turns to his tenant, Lucia Maraz, for advice. As the three characters’ stories intermingle, they each confront the tragedies of their pasts, leading to discoveries about survival, political injustice, and the transformative power of love. Allende weaves a narrative that not only delves into the personal histories and struggles of each character but also reflects on the broader themes of human resilience and the necessity of love.
12. Breathless, by Amy McCulloch
In “Breathless: A Thriller” by Amy McCulloch, journalist Cecily Wong embarks on a perilous journey to Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak, to interview the famed mountaineer Charles McVeigh. This opportunity, costing her personal relationships and savings, is her chance to reinvigorate her career. However, the expedition turns deadly when climbers start dying in mysterious circumstances. Stranded on the mountain, Cecily faces a ruthless killer in a desperate fight for survival, where the harsh elements are not the only threat. McCulloch weaves a tale of suspense and survival, set against the unforgiving backdrop of one of the world’s most dangerous mountains.
13. The Bear and the Nightingale, by Katherine Arden
“The Bear and the Nightingale” by Katherine Arden is a captivating novel set in the depths of the Russian wilderness, where winter reigns most of the year. Young Vasilisa, fond of her nurse’s fairy tales, especially the one about Frost, the winter demon, finds her world upended when her father remarries. Her devout stepmother forbids the family from honoring the household spirits, leading to a series of misfortunes. As evil encroaches from the forest, Vasilisa must rely on her hidden gifts to protect her family. Arden’s novel is a rich tapestry of Russian folklore, family dynamics, and a young girl’s courage against the backdrop of a harsh, enchanting winter.
14. The Snow Child, by Eowyn Ivey
“The Snow Child” by Eowyn Ivey is a magical tale set in the harsh wilderness of Alaska in 1920. Childless and drifting apart, Jack and Mabel’s lives change when they build a child out of snow, only to find it gone the next day, replaced by a mysterious young girl, Faina. Seemingly a child of the woods, Faina brings a glimmer of joy to their lives. Ivey’s narrative, inspired by a Russian fairy tale, explores themes of love, loss, and the stark beauty of survival in a landscape as unforgiving as it is beautiful. The novel delves into the depths of human longing and the miracle of unexpected connections.
15. The Cuckoo’s Calling , by Robert Galbraith
“The Cuckoo’s Calling” by Robert Galbraith (a pseudonym for J.K. Rowling) introduces Cormoran Strike, a war veteran turned private investigator struggling with his personal and professional life. The apparent suicide of Lula Landry, a famous model known as the Cuckoo, brings Strike a new case that plunges him into the glamorous yet treacherous world of the rich and famous. As Strike delves deeper, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies, challenging the official narrative. Galbraith crafts a compelling detective story that combines a classic noir feel with modern themes, making Strike an unforgettable character in the genre.
16. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, by C. S. Lewis
C. S. Lewis’s “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” the first published and most famous book of The Chronicles of Narnia series, is a timeless fantasy novel. Set mostly in the magical land of Narnia, it tells the story of four English children who enter this world through a magical wardrobe. There, they encounter the noble lion Aslan, and together they embark on a quest to save Narnia from the eternal winter imposed by the evil White Witch. This novel, blending myth, fairy tale, and moral allegory, has captivated readers for generations with its narrative of courage, betrayal, and redemption.
17. The Winter People, by Jennifer McMahon
“The Winter People” by Jennifer McMahon is a gripping suspense thriller set in West Hall, Vermont, a town shrouded in strange disappearances and old legends. The most haunting tale is that of Sara Harrison Shea, who died mysteriously in 1908. Centuries later, nineteen-year-old Ruthie, living in Sara’s farmhouse, wakes up to find her mother gone. Her search leads her to Sara’s diary, revealing a chilling history intertwined with her own life. McMahon masterfully blends past and present in this eerie narrative, creating a haunting exploration of love, loss, and the lengths people will go to keep their loved ones close.
Final thoughts
To conclude, I hope you’ve found a few titles that pique your interest and resonate with your winter mood. Each book on this list of winter books for for adults offers a unique perspective on the season, from the stark beauty of snow-covered landscapes to the introspective journeys of characters navigating the complexities of life against a wintry backdrop.
Whether you’re in the mood for a thrilling mystery, a poignant drama, or a tale of magical realism, these winter books for adults are perfect companions for the season. So, as the snowflakes continue to fall and the nights grow longer, let these winter tales transport you to other worlds, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.