99% of the time, you hear about books that are a perfect summer read. Strangely, no one takes the time to think about winter books. Summer is the best time to read on the beach or by the pool. But reading on your couch by the fire with a nice cup of hot chocolate is nice too. For those readers who read all year round, here are the top three winter reads. 

For those of you who love a good mystery story, “Five Total Strangers” by Natalie D. Richards is a great recommendation. The main character, Mira, flies home to be with her family on Christmas but a record-breaking blizzard causes her flight to be canceled. Desperate to get to her grief-stricken mother, she hitchhikes with a group of college kids that were going to be on the same flight. As the drive goes on and the storm progresses, Mira realizes that these four students don’t actually know each other. Soon, they aren’t just dealing with this disaster of a storm, but are also dealing with the actions of someone who wants to ruin their trip. Reviews say that this book gets you hooked. It’s a nail biter that keeps you on your toes and makes you want to find out the big mystery! 

For those of you who would rather have a light hearted read, “Snowed In” by Catherine Walsh is a great pick. This romantic comedy is about Megan who is dreading going home for the holiday. She’s the town’s devil that left the local angel, Issac, at the altar four years ago and ran away to the big city of New York. Issac is engaged again while Megan just got dumped for the fourth time this year. She ends up running into Christian who is fed up with being alone every Christmas because he hates seeing his family coupled up and he is sad that he has no one. Together, Megan and Christian come up with a pact to pretend to date so they can get through family and social gatherings. But, when they get snowed in and only have the company of each other, they have no choice but to actually get to know each other. This rom-com will keep you smiling and will leave you with a full heart. 

For you fantasy readers, “The Raven and the Reindeer” by Ursula Vernon is a good book to pick up on a chilly day. This story is about Gerta’s friend Kay who is kidnaped by the mysterious snow queen. Gerta is determined to find out where her friend has gone. Her journey will be one that keeps you on your toes. This adventure tale is one that is filled with witchcraft and dangerous lands. Gerta’s only friends through her whole journey are a bandit and a talking raven. Can she find her friend and earn his release? Or will her determination take her to unexpected places? 

Don’t wait till summer to start reading. Winter is the perfect time to cozy up by the fire with a good book, especially, if it’s one of these three listed! These books aren’t the only options. There are plenty of winter books that are waiting for you to pick them up!