9 Winter Books to Curl Up With—From Cozy Romances to Creepy Snowed-In Thrillers
‘Tis the season to warm up by the fire and dive into these cozy, snow-themed books
For many of us, the idea of snow and all it entails (the picturesque beauty, the calming quiet, the post-skiing hot cocoa) is more appealing than actually stepping outside into the cold. That’s where winter books come in. These books, which feature luxury resorts, snowy cabins and wintry touches, are the perfect escape! Whether you’re a fan of romance, family sagas, thrillers or mystery, these novels are sure to delight. The best part? You can enjoy all the winter feels— while staying toasty warm and cozy inside.
Keep scrolling to discover 9 of the best winter books and ski books—from creepy snowed-in thrillers to sweet, whimsical love stories. Happy reading!
‘One by One’ by Ruth Ware
Getting snowed in at a rustic ski chalet with a private chef, a housekeeper and a cozy fire sounds kind of dreamy. The downside? It’s a work trip, consisting of eight coworkers, each with their own motivations. The trip starts out like any other work getaway—meetings, presentations and team bonding—but things quickly go awry when a contentious buyout offer is mentioned, testing the team’s loyalties. Before you know it, members of the group are discovered dead—and the avalanche outside is no match for the drama inside.
What readers are saying: “I like all Ruth Ware’s books, but to me, this one hit it out of the park. Her best ever. It is suspenseful from the first page, filled with intriguing (mostly unlikable) characters, and just plain fun to read. The setting, a ski resort in a remote location, is perfect. It’s secluded and atmospheric. The characters are there on a retreat, deciding whether to accept a potential buy-out, and this secondary plot drives the mystery of who is taking these people out one at a time.”
‘The Tourist Attraction’ by Sarah Morgenthaler
Zoey Caldwell is on a two-week vacation in Moose Springs, Alaska, and is checking items off her bucket list. Soon, she begins to frequent Graham Barnett’s local restaurant, appropriately named “The Tourist Trap,” although he is not super fond of tourists. So when unexpected chemistry sparks between them, it catches Graham by surprise. Will the two kindle a steamy romance in the Alaskan wilderness?
What readers are saying: “I loved this book so much! It’s fresh, original, charming, heartfelt, and an utter delight from beginning to end. I adored grumpy local, Graham and endearing outsider, Zoey, cheering them on to an inevitable but seemingly impossible happy ending. They’re fully developed characters I couldn’t get enough of.”
‘The Sanatorium’ by Sarah Pearse
Le Sommet has always been a sinister place, and its location—hidden by forests and surrounded by mountains—doesn’t help. However, the abandoned sanatorium has now been transformed into a five-star hotel, and Elin Warner would rather be anywhere else. But when her estranged brother, Isaac, and his fiancée, Laure, invite her to celebrate their engagement at the hotel, Elin has no reason not to accept. Something is off, though and when Laure goes missing, Elin must trust her instincts in order to bring her back alive.
What readers are saying: “The imagery made me feel chilled and cold throughout the read. Pearse did a great job with this thriller mystery. It was fast-paced and easy to follow. There are a few times when you think you figured it out, but you are proven wrong. Thank you Sarah for a great read!”
‘The Hunting Party’ by Lucy Foley
Old college friends gather in a remote hunting lodge in the Scottish Highlands to ring in the New Year. But when secrets and resentments from the past start to bubble up, one partygoer ends up dead, and another is responsible for the death.
What readers are saying: “I love this author! Perfect page-turning escape without being too gruesome and morbid. I so appreciate her ability to grab and sustain the reader’s attention without cheap shock factors. Can’t wait for more!”
‘Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six’ by Lisa Unger
Lisa Unger’s novel Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six is full of suspense and drama. The story follows Hannah, her husband, her brother, her best friend and two others as they spend the weekend in a luxurious cabin in the woods. They all think it’ll be the perfect trip, but the dreamy weekend soon turns into a nightmare.
What readers are saying: “One of the better thrillers I’ve read recently! It was full of twists and turns and held my attention from the first chapter.”
‘Winter Street’ by Elin Hilderbrand
Kelley Quinn owns a quaint inn on Nantucket and is looking forward to having his four grown children return home for the holidays. But instead of the calm and peaceful holiday he was hoping for, he’s left dealing with all kinds of problems: He walks in on his wife kissing Santa Claus and all the kids have a lot of drama going on in their own lives.
What readers are saying: “Winter Street is a beautifully written book about family—one of Elin Hildebrand’s best works. The characters are real and so human, the setting vibrant and nostalgic at the same time, and the emotion of every scene jump off the page.”
‘The Book Club Hotel’ by Sarah Morgan
Lovable characters, a quaint inn, emotional moments…this captivating winter tale has it all. Hattie Coleman is the owner of the Maple Sugar Inn, and she’s beyond tired of juggling all her to-do’s on top of being a single mom. But when Erica, Claudia and Anna check in for a “book club trip,” their life stories become intertwined with Hattie’s. What follows is a series of events that improve each of the women’s lives.
What readers are saying: “I’m always drawn to a beautiful book cover and a great title so I chose this book to read! It did not disappoint. I love the way the characters unfold and true feelings are told. There were some great surprises and it was very heartwarming without being predictable. I highly recommend it!”
‘Escape to the Swiss Chalet’ by Carrie Walker
Holly Roberts can’t stand the cold, so no one is more surprised than her when she decides to pack her bags and move to the Swiss Alps. But after a tough breakup, working as a sous chef for twins Genevieve and Luca is exactly what she needs. While Holly feels out of place in the chalet, she can get through it with the help of her new friends, Liv and Xavier. And of course, there’s Luca, the charming guy who also happens to be one of her bosses. She wanted an escape but will she fall in love, too?
What readers are saying: “I loved this book so much! The descriptions of the places, the food and the snow made me want to book a skiing trip and get out there on the piste! I loved the journey Holly went on to rediscover herself after her heartbreak.”
‘The Lodge’ by Kayla Olson*
Kayla Olson, bestselling author of The Reunion, is back with her second novel, The Lodge. The story follows Alix Morgan, a writer who just got her big break. When she’s asked to ghostwrite a memoir for Sebastian Green, former member of the boy band True North, and stay at a penthouse in a luxury lodge in Vermont, she jumps at the chance. Alix’s career is finally taking off and fans are dying to know the whole story of the beloved boy band. But Alix’s trip has more in store than she planned when she meets ski instructor Tyler.
What early readers are saying: “Kayla Olson does it again! The Lodge was such a cute winter romance! The ski lodge setting gave me all the cozy winter wonderland vibes and Tyler was just the most thoughtful book boyfriend. I’ll definitely be picking up a copy on publication day.”
This book releases on January 7, 2025.*
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