Winter Reads

By Mia Caven

Tis the season! Merry Christmas to those that celebrate. Your fellow

book worm here! And I’m going to report to you my favourite cosy

winter reads. From romance to fantasy, here’s my go to reads this

season!

One Day in December by Josie Silver

Although I’d never read this book before this year, when reading it, it felt

like I had returned to a place I knew, a place arguably one could call

home. Had it been a movie? Had I lived something similar? Had I read

something similar? Honestly, I’m not sure at all. But what I will say is the

cosiest, wintery read is this book. The emotions, the rollercoasters, the

characters and their flaws. You are ever connected to them all by a

string of snow and Christmas lights throughout a timeline spanning

many years.

Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

Give me a moment to fangirl - this book was my favourite read earlier

this year and still, I think about it every day. Is it particularly winter in the

book? No. But, is it the cosiest read ever? Absolutely. From coffee to

books to blooming relationships and people watching, my fellow

readers this winter will know exactly why I’m putting this book here. Not

to mention, the beautiful LGBT+ representation in this fantasy world-

building book.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

This ones for the dark academia girls and the gays. If you haven’t read

it already, do you live under a rock? And if you have, well, it’s time to

read it again. With snowy scenes and dark classrooms, this dark and

mysterious edgy drama slash thriller is a go to on a dark night with a

cuppa hot chocolate and loads of blankets - maybe even a teddy if you

get scared easily.

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

Did I say cosy? Sorry, let me correct myself. This is the saddest most

heartbreaking book on this planet, but hey, there’s got to be a book

here for everyone! Due to a large number of people suffering from

seasonal depression, the sadness of this book rings true to this time of

year for a lot of people. Saying that, I wouldn’t pick this up if you get

triggered by sensitive topics because it’s safe to say Yanagihara doesn’t

tread lightly at all.

Always Only You by Chloe Liese

Did somebody say Ice hockey romance? Me. I did. I know - an ice rink

doesn’t mean its winter, but hey! This sweet, cheesy romance is perfect

for a Christmassy down time on the sofa or in bed with a hot drink and

red Christmas lights on. An all time feel good, a hallmark movie but less

awful, a perfect balance between cosy and comfort. This is a must read

for my romance lovers.

Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors

I can’t say I liked this book at all, because I really didn’t. But what I can

say, is the imagery was good. And no, it wasn’t centred around winter,

or even autumn, it spoke of cold nights in the city, sparkling lights and

wine and coffee and house parties - although not my cuppa tea, it

couldn’t be more festive for others. Nor is this book a romance or cosy

by any means, but you’ll definitely feel the cold with this novel.

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

Have I snuck another sneaky Ice Hockey romance in here? Yes. Yes I

have. Slightly less feel good than Always Only You, Ice Breaker is a

more dramatic, but still cheesy, romance, with plenty of ice rinks, ice

hockey, and ice skating. A chilly but beautiful romantic story, what else

could you ask for this December?

The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore

Need I say more? It’s literally in the title. Now, don’t go into it expecting

too much, but I can definitely say if you’re like me and you like hallmark

movies during Christmas/Winter time, then this small town cold-

weather romance with coffee and cats, my two favourite things in the

world, is everything you’re looking for.

So, what’s your pick for this winter? A cheesy romance, a cosy fantasy,

a dark academia mystery? Whatever it is, if its from my list and picks

then let us know how you get on with reading them!