Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater; 416 pages
Shiver will forever be on my winter reading list not only for its nostalgia but also for its romantic, wintry feeling. I read it for the first time when I was only in middle school, and I enjoyed it so much that it has stuck with me ever since. Following the story of a human girl and a boy who is a wolf nine months out of the year, Shiver is a unique take on a supernatural romance that will lead you on a journey through snow-covered, wolf-inhabited woods. This is a pure love story with bits of supernatural elements sprinkled throughout, making it an easy yet fun read for winter.
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan; 336 pages
Carrie Ryan’s The Forest of Hands and Teeth is another book I read at a young age, and although it doesn’t necessarily contain any winter elements, the plot has an intriguingly chilling feeling to it. Born in a fenced-in village in the woods, Mary has never known what lies beyond it—and the Sisterhood ensures that the citizens will never find out. Throw in some dark secrets, a love triangle, and the Unconsecrated (aka the undead), and you have an unsettling tale for the fans of dystopian literature. This one won’t put you in the holiday spirit, but it will send a couple of chills your way.
Don’t Let in the Cold by Keely Parrack; 352 pages
If you’re looking for something on the thrilling side, Don’t Let in the Cold is perfect for the winter months. Stepsisters Lottie and Jade were supposed to have a quiet night in their off-grid cabin to get to know each other, or rather ignore each other. When a snowstorm hits and they lose power, they find themselves freezing and stuck with a suspicious stranger named Alex, who was supposedly out walking his dog when the storm hit. The three of them have to survive not only the freezing cold and Tahoe wilderness, but also Alex’s former accomplices who are hunting them. This book is even better than it sounds, and will absolutely keep you on the edge of your seat while you try to figure out who the real enemy is.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden; 368 pages
For fans of Slavic folklore and fantasy, The Bear and the Nightingale is an enchanting tale that will transport you to the perfect, frosty setting. In a wintry village in the Russian wilderness, Vasya and her family make certain to honor protective spirits in order to stay safe from the winter demon, Frost. When her new stepmother moves in and forces them to stop honoring the spirits, however, Vasya must protect her village from the evil spirits that lie in the surrounding woods. Although I may be biased towards this book because my grandmother recommended it to me, I can guarantee that she has great taste, and you will love it just as much as I do.
Snowed In by Rachel Hawthorne; 272 pages
One of my favorites on the list, Snowed In is a light read that is excellent for the holiday season. Not only does it explore young love, but it also emphasizes the unique relationship between a mother and daughter. Texas-born teen Ashleigh and her mother moved to a small island on Lake Michigan to start fresh and open a bed & breakfast. Going from a very populated, hot city to a freezing small-town isn’t easy, but Ashleigh is trying her best to make herself at home for her mom’s sake. Soon, however, she meets a boy who is hard to figure out but ultimately makes her move worthwhile. This is a charming love story that takes place in one of the most wintry places in the United States, and I highly recommend picking it up when you’re craving a winter love story.
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber; 432 pages
Another great novel for the fantasy and folklore lovers, Once Upon a Broken Heart is a magical story surrounding the tale of the archer and the fox. When Evangeline’s love decides to marry someone else, she calls upon the Prince of Hearts to stop him. In exchange for his services, she promises him three kisses, to be paid whenever and wherever he demands. This deal takes Evangeline to the Magnificent North during the Nocte Neverending festival, where she becomes wrapped up in magic, royalty, and secrets. This book also doesn’t contain many hard references to winter, but the beautiful imagery and thoughtful story are enough to make it onto my seasonal reading list.
The winter and holiday seasons are full of nostalgia and wonder, which is why my favorite winter reads are ones I have read many times before. The giddy feeling that comes with rereading your favorite novels while surrounded by snow or holiday decorations is a feeling that shouldn’t be taken for granted, so I encourage you to pick up one of your favorite books and read it by the fire this winter.
Callie Andrews, Pine Reads Review Writer, Social Media, & Web