9 Winter Books
9 Winter-Themed Books Written by Women
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Winter invites us to slow down, reflect, and find comfort in the quieter moments. One of the best ways to embrace this introspective season is by curling up with a book that captures the magic, mystery, and wisdom of winter. Whether you're drawn to fiction, memoirs, or seasonal stories, these nine books offer a perfect way to deepen your connection with winter’s beauty. Here’s 9 winter books for your cosy winter retreat.
1. Winter by Ali Smith
"That's what winter is: an exercise in remembering how to still yourself then how to come pliantly back to life again." -Ali Smith
Ali Smith’s Winter is a dazzling exploration of the season’s dualities—darkness and light, death and renewal. Part of her seasonal quartet, this novel combines wit, poignancy, and social commentary, making it a thought-provoking read for a cold winter’s day. Winter is the second novel Ali Smith’s Seasonal Quartet.
2. Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
This moving memoir is a love letter to the art of slowing down and embracing life’s darker seasons. Katherine May weaves personal reflections with insights on nature, mythology, and resilience, reminding us that winter—both literal and metaphorical—is an essential part of the cycle of life.
3. The Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
"The cold was somehow comforting. It felt like the right thing to feel." -Kristin Hannah
Two sisters as different as sisters can be. One stayed at home to raise her children and manage the family business; the other followed a dream and travelled the world to become a famous photojournalist. A tale of mothers, daughters, and the enduring bonds of family, The Winter Garden spans decades and continents. Kristin Hannah tells a heart-wrenching story of love, war, and redemption that’s as layered and complex as winter itself.
4. A Winter Book by Tove Jansson
"Winter is the time for comfort, good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home." -Tove Jansson
This collection of short stories from the creator of the beloved Moomins evokes the magic and melancholy of winter. With themes of childhood, solitude, and the natural world, Tove Jansson’s writing is whimsical, thoughtful, and utterly timeless.
5. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
"The winter is long, and in the end, it is the winter that endures." -Katherine Arden
In this spellbinding tale inspired by Russian folklore, a young girl named Vasya confronts ancient spirits and superstitions in her snowy village. The Bear and the Nightingale is a richly woven story of courage, family, and the power of belief. It is the first in the best-selling Winternight Trilogy.
6. The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley
"It was the stillness of the sea that made me shiver, as though the world had stopped to take a breath." -Susanna Kearsley
This atmospheric novel blends historical fiction, romance, and a touch of the supernatural. Set along the windswept coast of Scotland, The Winter Sea follows a writer who discovers parallels between her novel and real-life events from the Jacobite era. Perfect if you love cosy, evocative reads. The Winter Sea is the first book in the beloved Slains series.
7. Light Over Snow by Anita Shreve
What makes a family? That's what twelve-year-old Nicky Dillon wonders after she and her widowed father discover a wailing abandoned baby in the snow-filled woods near their New Hampshire home. Set in the stark beauty of a New England winter, this novella is a contemplative story about loss, healing, and human connection. Anita Shreve beautifully captures the intimacy of quiet moments and the solace found in winter’s stillness.
8. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
"The snow had fallen in a hurry, covering the world in a soft, white down, and now the sky was clear and the stars were ice-bright." -Eowyn Ivey
Set in the Alaskan wilderness of the 1920s, this enchanting novel tells the story of a childless couple who build a snow girl, only for her to come to life. Full of magical realism and rooted in the stark beauty of winter, The Snow Child is a tale of hope, love, and the transformative power of nature.
9. The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder
A classic of children’s literature, The Long Winter recounts the harrowing experiences of the Ingalls family as they endure a brutal winter on the prairie. With themes of resilience, family, and the power of community, this story remains a beloved tale for all ages.
Final Thoughts
These nine winter-themed books offer warmth, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the season’s beauty. Whether you’re craving a magical escape, historical intrigue, or quiet reflection, there’s something on this list to match your mood. So grab a blanket, a warm drink, and let these stories carry you through the frosty days ahead.
Which of these books will you read this winter?
I think you will love:
