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I’m genuinely somewhat concerned that I wont have enough for this one. In fact, I’m not even entirely sure what a “cozy” read is which ultimately is why the majority of them will probably only fit the wintery category. But, there is one book that came immediately to mind when I thought of a cozy, wintery read and I’m sure if you’ve been around this blog in recent months you’ll know exactly which is number one on this list.

Okay, so now that I’ve actually compiled the list these are definitely far more wintery than cozy, but that’s alright. There are a few cozy ones.

10. Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige

I actually did not care for this one, but it’s a pretty good winter read as far as snow goes. There’s a lot about controlling ice and snow and this whole thing regarding a rather wintery world with an ice king of some sort. I mean, the book didn’t handle mental illness well at all and it had a vaguely annoying Splintered-esque feel to it (I didn’t like Splintered, either). But, I dunno. If you like The Snow Queen and want to read a meh retelling of it, you might really enjoy it?

9. The Revolution of Jack Frost by K. M. Robinson

I reviewed this one a little while ago. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either. It was kind of…just okay. Parts of it felt quite obvious and it wasn’t the wondrous Jack Frost retelling that I was expecting it to be. Plus, all of the pieces that related so closely to The Maze Runner just made it hard for me to like. Of course, this book has captured several people’s attention and if you’re looking for a snow covered read, it’s one to consider.

8. Stitching Snow by R. C. Lewis

And here’s the first one on this list that I actually really enjoyed. This clever Snow White retelling is all kinds of wonderful with a vast array of interesting elements that you wouldn’t necessarily imagine at first, but can definitely see how they fit into the story and the world. I’m pretty fond of R. C. Lewis and how she writes her stories, many of them my favorite kind: retellings. I’d definitely suggest giving this one a shot as well as her other retelling, Spinning Silver.

7. The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Anderson

This is such a sad winter story, but in a weird way it does feel kind of cozy. I’m not sure how to describe it or if this feeling has transferred over for anyone else, but I find myself stuck on this idea of curling up tight into oneself and how that can, at times, feel quite cozy. Now, granted, this heartbreaking story doesn’t really have a cozy moment until the very end when the cold finally disappears, in its own way, but at the same time I feel like it kind of does count. I dunno, maybe this is some weird personal bit for me, but I feel like some of you might know what I mean with this?

6. Hiddensee: A Tale of the Once and Future Nutcracker by Gregory MaGuire

I loved this book. While it had more to do with Drosselmeier and his origins than it did with my love, the Nutcracker, it was and utterly fascinating and creative retelling. There was so much to it that I found myself deeply enjoying. I would say, if you’re looking specifically for a story about Clara and the Nutcracker to go looking elsewhere, but if you’re up for a fascinating tale that never goes in the direction you think it will and ultimately ties in with the beloved Christmas story, definitely pick it up.

5. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Really, I don’t think you could have a winter read list without at least one book that is actually pointedly Christmas focused. And for me, that book is by Charles Dickens. This story is, quite frankly, just a classic and one that will survive eons of time. I’ll admit, I’m rather exceptionally fond of the Disney version of this story as far as film goes, seeing Mickey as Bob Cratchit and–I believe, though I might be wrong on this one?–the introduction of Scrooge McDuck. But, while I may be partial to watching that around Christmastime, there’s still a lot to be gained from reading the amazing work of Dickens’ that started it all.

4. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

This was such a wonderful winter read. It doesn’t exactly give you cozy feelings all the time, but there are definitely moments throughout when you find that you just feel as though it really was a book meant to be read while cuddled up with a blanket in a reading nook. I think of this book and I think of the snow. I think of cuddling with the warmth of someone in the middle of a cold winter night and somehow the cold disappears entirely. And it’s a wonderful emotion that such thoughts evoke in you.

3. Winterspell by Claire Legrand

Ah, Winterspell. I adore this book so much. Prior to my more recent love, this was the best Nutcracker retelling that I’d ever had the fortune to stumble upon. It was beautiful in a lot of ways and you find yourself opening up into the winter wonderland of an entirely different world with characters you cannot help but fall in love with. I recall finding certain pieces of the novel a little disappointing, but it was the best Nutcracker retelling I’d managed to find at the time and therefore was amazing regardless. It’s been a while since I read this one and so, truthfully, it’s about time for a reread.

2. The Ice Child by Evangeline Denmark

Naturally, this one made its way onto this list. I fell utterly in love with Sipp in this story three seconds into reading about him. This novella was a whirlwind of up and down emotions, chock-full of the most feelsy of feels. You’ll have to read it, I imagine, to understand the full depth of what I am talking about here. The story has almost a Jack Frost sort of feel to it, at times, which I definitely appreciated and enjoyed even as it broke my heart. The thing about The Ice Child that you should remember before reading it is that it is one that will fill you with the utmost joy and the utmost sadness all at once.

1. The Enchanted Sonata by Heather Dixon Wallwork

And now for the newest love of my life, we have The Enchanted Sonata by Heather Dixon Wallwork. A part of me almost hates to point you all to my review, but you really won’t fully understand what I’m talking about without a lot more words. You feel the story that Wallwork wrote, you live it, and you hear it. This was magical, musical, and impressive in so many different ways. I don’t think I’ve ever come across a novel that used sound so exquisitely before. This is definitely a book to put on your radar, I can promise you that. Oh, and if you’re interested in entering a giveaway, I’m running one on twitter right now. Just a thought.

As always, I wish you all happy readings!

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