27 Fantastic Novels To Read In Winter Vacation is a fantastic collection of works that will leave you with an exciting winter read from start to end, if you’re an avid reader, I am sure you will enjoy our go-to collection filled with all-time best and new original series of books and titles to know about!

“As the winter chill sets in and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book. Whether it’s the allure of a mystery that keeps you turning the pages, the enchantment of a fantasy world where anything is possible, or the intrigue of exploring real-world locations through the eyes of skilled travel writers, winter reading can offer an escape from the cold and a journey into countless different worlds.

This guide will Present you with a selection of novels perfect for your winter vacation reading list, offering a mix of genres and themes that promise to keep you entertained as you stay warm indoors.”

27 Fantastic Novels To Read In Winter Vacation

Here are some fantastic novels that you might enjoy reading during your winter vacation:

1. Famous for a Living by Melissa Ferguson:

“Famous for a Living” by Melissa Ferguson is about Cat Cranwell, a superstar influencer who falls from grace and moves to Montana’s Kannery National Park to escape the public eye. In this serene wilderness, she begins to rediscover herself, questions her values, and finds love in an unexpected place. The book explores the impact of social media on our lives and the importance of living in the moment.

2. Winterland: A Novel by Rae Meadows:
“Winterland” by Rae Meadows is a novel set in the 1970s USSR. It follows the journey of Anya, an eight-year-old girl from Norilsk, who is selected for the national gymnastics program. The narrative also includes the perspective of Vera, Anya’s elderly neighbor, who recalls her life before and after the revolution. The book explores the high cost of perfection in a repressive society.

3. The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye:
“The Hundred Loves of Juliet” by Evelyn Skye is a modern-day reconceiving of Romeo and Juliet. The protagonist, Helene, moves to a small town in Alaska after a messy divorce. She meets Sebastien, a man who remarkably resembles the hero from the love stories she used to write.
Unbeknownst to Helene, Sebastien is her Romeo, and they have lived the same tragic love story repeatedly in different lives and times. This time, Helene is determined to change their fate.

4. The Winners by Fredrik Backman:
“The Winners” by Fredrik Backman is the final installment of the Beartown trilogy. The story is set in the Swedish towns of Beartown and Hed, where the characters’ lives intertwine. After a massive storm, resources dwindle, and tensions rise. The characters grapple with past traumas that shape their futures, culminating in a shocking act of violence.

The book also explores themes of sacrifice for the sake of home and community. Notably, Maya Andersson and Benji Ovich, who left for a life far from Beartown, return home, bringing a new sense of optimism.

5. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden:
A captivating blend of history and fantasy called “Katherine Arden’s ‘The Bear and the Nightingale’, which is set in the heart of medieval Russia. The protagonist, Vasilisa, is a young girl gifted with the ability to interact with creatures of folklore. Her affinity for the forest deepens as she matures, revealing her enchanting skills.

The narrative delves into the tension between the age-old supernatural customs of her community and the growing influence of Christianity. The tale is a fusion of reality and enchantment, enveloped in the frosty darkness that is a hallmark of Russian fairy tales.

6. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern:
A fascinating Tale written by Erin Morgenstern’s “The Night Circus” set in the magical realm of Le Cirque des Rêves, a nocturnal circus. The plot centers around Celia Bowen and Marco Alisdair, two young illusionists unknowingly engaged in a magic contest by their guardians.

As they display their magical prowess through the circus, they unexpectedly fall in love, complicating the rules of their predestined duel. The novel masterfully intertwines magic, love, and rivalry elements, creating a gripping narrative that keeps readers spellbound.

7. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik:
Naomi Novik’s “Spinning Silver” novel offers a fresh perspective on the classic Rumpelstiltskin story. The narrative centers around Miryem, a young girl who takes over her father’s moneylending business to save her family from poverty. Her ability to turn debts into profits draws the attention of the Staryk king, a feared icy fairy race.

He challenges Miryem to transform his silver into gold, mirroring the original fairy tale’s theme of spinning straw into gold. The story also introduces us to Wanda, a farmer’s daughter who becomes Miryem’s servant, and Irina, the Duke’s daughter, whose life intertwines with the Tsar’s secrets. The book delves into the power of names, magical deals, and the hidden power of words.

8. Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney:
“Rock Paper Scissors” by Alice Feeney is a psychological thriller about a couple, Adam and Amelia Wright, who go on a weekend getaway to a Scottish chapel to mend their strained marriage. The story takes a turn as strange events unfold, leading to unexpected revelations about their past.

9. One by One by Ruth Ware:
“One by One” by Ruth Ware is a gripping thriller that unfolds in a ski chalet in the French Alps. The narrative alternates between Liz, an introverted woman who feels out of place among her affluent companions, and Erin, a private woman with a scarred face and a tragic past. The plot centers around ten individuals from a startup who travel to a ski lodge for a company retreat.

They find themselves cut off from the outside world due to a snowstorm, eventually triggering an avalanche that leaves them stranded. When fatalities start to occur, it becomes evident that they are dealing with something far more sinister, and they must identify the killer among them.

10. The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse:
“Sarah Pearse’s ‘The Sanatorium’ is a chilling psychological thriller set in a luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps, which was once a sanatorium. The narrative follows Elin Warner, a UK police detective, who visits the hotel with her boyfriend to celebrate her brother’s engagement.

However, their joyous occasion becomes a nightmare when an avalanche traps them, and people disappear. Elin finds herself investigating the disappearances and murders while battling her own traumatic past.

11. The Shining by Steven King:
“The Shining” by Stephen King is a horror novel about Jack Torrance, a recovering alcoholic who becomes the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel in Colorado. His son Danny possesses  “the shining,” a psychic ability that lets him see the hotel’s horrific past. As they spend the winter in the hotel, supernatural events unfold, leading to a terrifying climax.

12. Still Life by Louise Penny:
“Still Life” by Sarah Pearse is a chilling thriller that unfolds in a top rated costly hotel in the Swiss Alps, which was once a sanatorium. The narrative centers around Elin Warner, a UK police detective, who visits the hotel with her boyfriend to celebrate her brother’s engagement.

However, their joyous occasion becomes a nightmare when an avalanche traps them, and people disappear. Elin finds herself investigating the disappearances and murders while battling her traumatic past.

13. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie:
A classic written by Agatha Christie called “Murder on the Orient Express”. It is a whodunit featuring the renowned detective Hercule Poirot. The classic story takes place on the Orient Express train, where Poirot is traveling. A snowstorm halts the train, and during this delay, a passenger named Ratchett is found murdered in his locked compartment. Ratchett had previously sought Poirot’s help, fearing for his life due to some threats, but Poirot had declined.

As the only detective on board, Poirot undertakes the investigation. He discovers that Ratchett was a gangster named Cassetti, who had evaded justice for a kidnapping and murder years earlier. The narrative is filled with suspense as Poirot interrogates the other passengers, each of whom becomes a suspect. The novel is renowned for its surprising conclusion, which challenges conventional notions of justice.

14. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah:
A murder mystery called “Still Life” by Louise Penny is set in the quaint town of Three Pines in Quebec, Canada. The narrative revolves around the mysterious death of Jane Neal, a retired schoolteacher. Jane’s body is discovered in the woods on Thanksgiving Sunday, just days after she decided to showcase her artwork for the first time.

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec is tasked with unraveling the mystery behind her death. While the locals believe it’s a tragic hunting accident, Gamache suspects there’s more to the story.

15. Beartown by Fredrik Backman:
“Beartown” is a novel by Fredrik Backman. It’s set in a small forest town. Its a place where the junior ice hockey team is about to finish in the national semi-finals. The match triggers a violent act that leaves a girl traumatized and the town in turmoil. The novel explores themes of parental control, secrets, loyalty, family, and regret. It’s the first book in the Beartown series.

 16. The Tsarina’s Daughter by Ellen Alpsten:
“The Tsarina’s Daughter” by Ellen Alpsten is a captivating historical narrative. It revolves around Elizabeth, born into a wealthy Romanov family. Her life of luxury takes a dramatic turn with the death of her father, the execution of her brother, and her mother’s ascension to the throne.

Amidst the treacherous court politics, Elizabeth transforms from a mere pawn to an intelligent player. The book delves into her remarkable journey filled with love, peril, enthusiasm, and controversy. It offers a profound, emotional, and reflective reading experience.

17. The Last Grand Duchess by Bryn Turnbull:
“The Last Grand Duchess” is a compelling novel by Bryn Turnbull. It offers a glimpse into the life of Olga Romanov, the daughter of the last Tsar who is also the Eldest. Despite being born into the illustrious Romanov family, Olga’s life takes a dramatic turn with the death of her father, the execution of her brother, and her mother’s ascension to the throne.

Amidst the treacherous court politics, Olga transforms from a mere pawn to an intelligent player. The book delves into her remarkable journey filled with love, peril, enthusiasm, and controversy. It offers a profound, emotional, and reflective reading experience.

18. One Day in December by Josie Silver:
“One Day in December” is a captivating novel by Josie Silver. It’s a tale of love at first sight, missed opportunities, and destiny. The story revolves around Laurie, who spots a man through a misted-up bus window on a snowy December day and instantly knows he’s the one. However, her bus drives away before she can meet him.

She spends a year searching for him at every bus stop and cafe in London but has failed to succeed. The twist comes when her best friend, Sarah, introduces her new boyfriend, Jack, who turns out to be the man from the bus. The ensuing narrative spans ten years of friendship, heartbreak, and reconsidered destinies. It’s a heartwarming and moving love story that serves as a reminder of how fate can take unexpected turns on the path to happiness.

19. Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon:
“Weather Girl” by Rachel Lynn Solomon is a charming tale of Ari Abrams, a TV meteorologist. Amidst professional challenges, she and sports reporter Russell attempt to reconcile their feuding bosses. However, their plan twists when they start falling for each other. The book beautifully explores love, weather, and personal growth.

20. The Cafe by the Sea by Jenny Colgan:
A heartwarming novel called “The Cafe by the Sea” by Jenny Colgan, it is set on the quiet Scottish island of Mure. The protagonist, Flora, leaves Mure for bustling London, only to return and rediscover her passion for cooking. She revives a quaint café by the sea, navigating through past mistakes and contemplating her future.

21. The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons:
A riveting tale called “The Bronze Horseman” by Paullina Simons is set in Leningrad during World War II. It follows the lives of Tatiana and Alexander, whose world is turned upside down by the war. Amidst the chaos, they find love, but Alexander harbors a secret that could change everything.

22. The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn:
“The Diamond Eye” by Kate Quinn is a historical novel about Mila Pavlichenko, a history student who becomes a deadly sniper known as Lady Death during World War II. After becoming a national heroine, she is sent to America on a goodwill tour, where she forms a surprising friendship with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

23. Winter in Paradise “Winter in Paradise” by Elin Hilderbrand:
This novel follows Irene Steele, whose life is upended when her husband dies in a helicopter crash in the Caribbean. She discovers that her husband has a secret second family on the island, and as she unravels the mystery of her husband’s life, she must confront her future.

24. The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon:
“The Yiddish Policemen’s Union” by Michael Chabon: Set in an alternative history where a Jewish settlement was established in Alaska during World War II, this detective story follows Meyer Landsman as he investigates a murder under political and personal pressure.

25. Ski Weekend by Retkok Ross:
“Ski Weekend” by Rektok Ross: A group of teenagers on a ski trip find themselves stranded in the mountains after a car crash. As they wait for rescue, they must contend with dwindling supplies, harsh winter elements, and a member of the group falling ill.

26. Whiteout:
By Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany B. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon: “Whiteout” is a novel by six award-winning authors: Dhonielle Clayton, Nic Stone, Tiffany D. Jackson, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon. Set in Atlanta just before Christmas, the city is blanketed with snow.

The story revolves around twelve teens who band with everyone to help a friend pull off the most epic apology of her life. The novel explores themes of young love, Black joy, and cozy, sparkling romance. Each relationship within the story is as unique and sparkling as Southern snowflakes.

27. The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley: “Set in the spring of 1708, ‘The Winter Sea’ by Susanna Kearsley is a historical fiction novel that follows the journey of Carrie McClelland, a novelist who hopes to turn a forgotten invasion attempt into a bestselling book.

As she writes her novel under the shadow of Slains Castle, she realizes that her story is eerily accurate, leading her to question if she’s experiencing ancestral memory. This realization suggests that she might be the only person alive who knows the events of that time, a tale filled with love, loyalty, and the ultimate betrayal.

These books encompass a diverse range of genres, including fantasy, thriller, romance, and contemporary fiction, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. Enjoy your reading!

Tips to Enhance Your Winter Reading

Reading in winter can be a cozy and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to enhance your winter reading sessions:

• Establish a Snug Reading Nook: Identify a snug corner in your house dedicated to reading. It could be a plush chair, a spot by the window, or even a corner of your bed. Make it extra cozy with fluffy blankets and cushions.
• Keep Toasty: Have a hot drink like a cup of tea or hot chocolate by your side. It will not only keep you warm but also enhance the snug ambiance.
• Ensure Adequate Light: With shorter winter days, ensure your reading nook has sufficient light. This will prevent eye fatigue and create a warm, inviting environment.
• Pick the Perfect Book: Winter is an ideal time to immerse yourself in lengthy novels or series. Books with a winter setting or theme can also add to the experience.
• Remember to Take Breaks: It’s easy to get lost in a captivating book, but remember to take breaks. Stand up, stretch, or briefly walk to keep your body moving.
• Participate in a Book Club or Reading Challenge: This can be an enjoyable way to discover new books and share your thoughts with others. It can also encourage you to maintain a regular reading habit.

The key is to enjoy your reading journey. I wish you a delightful reading experience!

Winter Reading Books For Children

Here are some excellent winter-themed books for children that they might enjoy:

1. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats.
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss.
3. The Mitten by Jan Brett.
4. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg.
5. Owl Moon by Jane Yolen.
6. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs.
7. Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin.
8. Little Bear (Little Bear, #1) by Else Holmelund Minarik.
9. The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore.
10. Katy and the Big Snow: A Winter and Holiday Book for Kids by Virginia Lee Burton.

These books cover a range of themes and styles, from picture books to early reader chapter books, making them suitable for various age groups. Happy reading!

A Few Parting Words

As the winter season draws to a close, we hope the books you’ve discovered have added warmth and joy to your days. The magic of literature has the power to transport us to different worlds, all from the comfort of our cozy reading nooks.

Whether you’ve journeyed through fantastical realms, solved thrilling mysteries, or explored real-world locations through the pages of a book, each story has contributed to making this winter a memorable one. As the thick snow melts and gives way to spring, may the love for reading continue to bloom within you. Here’s to many more seasons of great books and unforgettable adventures.

Happy reading!