Nothing beats a good book on a dreary winter day. But if your reading list is running short on options, consider these novels to make the most of your snowy or rainy day. Grab your favorite hot beverage, slip on a snuggly sweater, and prepare to warm up to these cozy stories:
“In the Midst of Winter” by Isabel Allende
While you’re relaxing at home on a chilly winter day, pick up “In the Midst of Winter” and take a glimpse into the lives of three strangers whose paths intertwine during a record-breaking snowstorm. This touching tale explores themes author Isabel Allende is passionate about, including immigration, survival, injustice, and the human need for love and connection.
“Stormy Petrel” by Mary Stewart
With its moody atmosphere and picturesque Scottish setting, “Stormy Petrel” is the perfect pick for a rainy day. Curl up on the couch and prepare to be immersed in a story of a Cambridge professor’s holiday to the Hebrides. Her plans for a relaxing vacation promptly go awry thanks to a pair of charming and mysterious strangers who add a bit of suspense and romance to this rainy-day tale.
“The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Want some light reading for a gloomy, rainy day? While “The Secret Garden” was initially marketed towards a young audience, readers of all ages will enjoy the novel’s depiction of Yorkshire’s foggy moor country and a mysterious old mansion. With an enchanting setting and fairytale-like atmosphere, it’s easy to get lost in this book and spend all afternoon discovering twists, turns, and even a few dark secrets in the story’s sprawling gothic mansion.
“The Snow Child” by Eowyn Ivey
While the harsh wilderness of 1920s Alaska may seem anything but magical, author Eowyn Ivey used this snowy setting to craft an enchanting tale about hope, grief, survival, and the joy of found family. When a lonely, stressed-out couple finds themselves drifting apart as they struggle to survive in the wintery wilds, they take a moment to reconnect and build a snow child. The next morning, their sculpture has disappeared — and has seemingly been replaced by a little girl and her pet red fox. One page at a time, you’ll see this new family bond together and heal past traumas, all while surviving against the odds.
“Winter Street” by Elin Hilderbrand
Fill yourself with festive cheer with this journey to Nantucket at Christmastime. “Winter Street” tells the story of a warm — but dysfunctional — family as they navigate the challenges of running an inn during the holiday season. Author Elin Hilderbrand weaves together both lighthearted hijinks alongside deeper family drama to create a well-rounded story that’s sure to be a page-turner. And if you find yourself wanting to spend more time at this charming Nantucket inn, pick up the rest of Hilderbrand’s four-book series.
From romantic escapades to heartwarming family tales, you’re sure to find the perfect book to set the tone for your next snowy or rainy day.