Winter has a way of slowing everything down. Evenings get quieter. Mornings linger a little longer. And the books we reach for tend to feel comforting rather than demanding — stories you can sink into without rushing.
Our Lemonberry Book Club contributor, Ashley @life__with__books , pulled together a winter reading list that feels just right for this season. A mix of moody thrillers, snowy settings, and heartfelt stories — best enjoyed with a warm drink nearby and nowhere else to be.
The Winter Reads on Our Nightstand
For emotional, character-driven storytelling:
Long Bright River - Liz Moore
A police officer patrols a Philadelphia neighborhood devastated by the opioid crisis while searching for her missing sister. A haunting blend of family drama and crime that explores addiction, loyalty, and survival.
For cozy, feel-good escapism:
The Book Club Hotel - Sarah Morgan
A cozy, heartwarming story about a group of women who come together at a wintery hotel retreat centered around books, friendship, and fresh starts. Perfect for fans of uplifting, feel-good fiction.
For dark obsession and ambition:
The Favorites - Layne Fargo
A dark, obsessive story of ambition, desire, and power within a toxic relationship in the ice skating world. This psychological drama dives into how far people will go to be chosen-and to win.
For sweeping, emotional wilderness fiction:
The Great Alone - Kristin Hannah
A family seeking a new beginning moves to the Alaskan wilderness, where isolation and harsh conditions expose deep fractures. A sweeping, emotional novel about love, resilience, and survival.
For high-stakes, can’t-put-it-down tension:
No Exit - Taylor Adams
During a blizzard, a woman stranded at a rest stop discovers a kidnapped child locked in a van. What follows is a relentless, high-stakes thriller packed with nonstop tension.
For atmospheric historical mystery:
The Frozen River - Ariel Lawhon
Inspired by real events, this historical mystery follows a midwife in 18th-century Maine who uncovers secrets after a body is found frozen in a river. Richly atmospheric and centered on justice, truth, and women’s voices.
For comforting winter romance:
A Winter in New York - Josie Silver
A charming romance about grief, healing, and unexpected love set against a cozy winter backdrop in New York City. Comforting and nostalgic, with food, family, and second chances at its heart.
For twisty domestic suspense:
All the Dark Places - Terri Parlato
A gripping mystery about a woman uncovering disturbing secrets after her husband disappears. As past and present collide, nothing—and no one—is quite what it seems.
For eerie, locked-room chills:
The Sanatorium - Sarah Pearse
A remote hotel converted from an old sanatorium becomes the setting for a chilling mystery when guests start dying. Claustrophobic and eerie, this is a classic locked-room thriller with a modern edge.
What We’re Wearing While We Read
We also just received the Echo sweater in petal — soft, oversized, and perfect for long reading sessions and slow winter days. The kind of layer you throw on once and forget about while the kettle boils again.
👉 See the Echo Sweater here.
Join the Conversation
If you enjoy reading at a gentler pace, our Lemonberry Book Club lives over on Facebook. We share what we’re reading, chat about favourite picks, and connect with other book lovers who appreciate quiet evenings and good stories.
👉 Join the Lemonberry Book Club on Facebook
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