As the nights grow longer and darker, it’s important to remind ourselves that winter nights don’t have to be cold and gloomy. While a hot chocolate and a popular romcom might be the medicine for some, for us booklovers, we seek rich and engaging story that will keep us turning the pages for hours on end. Before you know it, it will be summer again.

So, with that in mind, pop on your PJs, get comfy on your sofas and check out our top seven reads for this winter. 

• The Rosie Project, Graeme Simsion

Not a recent release (it was published in 2013), but the perfect feel-good novel for the winter season. Nominated for Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fiction in 2013, The Rosie Project is a heartwarming and hilarious story about a socially awkward professor who embarks upon a scientific project to find the perfect wife, only to discover that perfect isn’t always what looks good on paper. 

• Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Gail Honeyman

The debut novel of Gail Honeyman, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine has sold millions of copies and won the 2017 Costa First Novel Award. It’s also set to be adapted for film produced by Reese Witherspoon, although a timeline and release date has not been finalised yet. The novel tells the story of Eleanor Oliphant, a quirky yet endearing thirty-something year old as she navigates loneliness and unexpected friendships – helping her to heal and find meaningful connection. 

• The House in the Cerulean Sea, TJ Klune

Nominated for Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy in 2020, The House in the Cerulean Sea is a charming story about a caseworker who is given a curious assignment to investigate an orphanage on a remote island, which is home to six magical children – a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. This is a feel-good story about belonging and finding your family in unexpected places. 

• The Little Paris Bookshop, Nina George

The Little Paris Bookshop is a heartwarming story about the healing powers of books. If you’re a lover of books and storytelling, we think you’ll enjoy this novel from bestselling author Nina George. The story follows Monsieur Perdu, a literary apothecary, who prescribes books to readers to mend their broken hearts. The only heart he hasn’t been able to mend is his own. 

• The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, Abbi Waxman

Described as a love letter to book nerds, The Bookish Life of Nina Hill is a lighthearted read about only child Nina – an introvert who works in a bookstore and lives with a cat called Phil. Suddenly, she discovers a family she never knew about which turns her life upside down. But, the change pushes her to personal growth and to come out of her comfort zone. 

• The Authenticity Project, Clare Pooley

A New York Times bestseller and winner of the RNA Debut Novel Award, The Authenticity Project is a feel-good story about a group of strangers coming together to reveal their true selves through a shared notebook. These acts of honesty and authenticity lead to the formation of unexpected friendships and transform these characters’ lives for the better. 

• Beach Read, Emily Henry

While the title might suggest a summer read, we think this is a great novel for reading during dark winter nights when all you want to do is cosy up by the fire and enjoy a heartwarming, funny romance. Beach Read tells the story of two polar opposite writers living in neighbouring beach houses and struggling with writer’s block. They exchange genres to help each other find their creative spark, and find romantic sparks in the process. 

More feel-good reads for winter

If you’re looking for more uplifting reads to keep you busy during winter, why not take a look at our top-rated reviews for inspiration? You’ll find a variety of genres, including drama, fantasy, and romance. 

You can also check out the latest literary trends and our favourite reads by visiting our Victoria Freudenheim blog.

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5 Series You Should be Reading Right Now

Do you ever find yourself finishing a book and wishing for more? We certainly do, which is why we can’t recommend delving into a book series enough.

There are plenty to choose from, but to get you started we’ve collated the five to check out right now. Whether it’s down to Netflix success or their engaging narrative, these book series continue to garner popularity among readers – making them a must-read.

• Heartstopper, Alice Oseman

If you enjoy reading graphic novels, this series is for you.

Originally started as a webcomic on Tumblr and Tapas, the Heartstopper series has grown a strong audience and following, amassing over 124 million online views to date – and selling one million copies worldwide. And it continues to grow in popularity due to the success of its Netflix series.

With themes on love, friendship, and mental health, this collection of five graphic novels focuses on the friendship and romantic relationship of two teenage boys. Each volume explores the ups and downs of their relationship as they navigate complex and, at times, heart wrenching life events.

• One of Us is Lying, Karen M. McManus

This three-part young adult series has become highly popular among readers due to its suspenseful writing and intriguing characters. The first book follows five students who enter detention, but only four make it out alive. The four remaining students become prime suspects in the murder investigation of Simon Kelleher, and they must work together to prove their innocence. However, they’re each hiding a secret that Simon was about to expose before his death. Can they prove their innocence whilst dealing with the possibility of their secrets being revealed?

• Bridgerton, Julia Quinn

Despite the last book being published in 2006, the Bridgerton series continues to remain popular among young adult readers, particularly due to the success of its Netflix adaptation.

The series follows eight siblings, alphabetically named, as they enter into society in the hopes of finding a love match. Originally set out to be a trilogy, the author, Julia Quinn, expanded the series due to the readers strong interest in the Bridgerton characters and, of course, Lady Whistledown.

Readers can now explore further into the world of Bridgerton with a 2nd epilogue, two anthologies, and a collaboration between Julia Quinn and the Netflix series creator, Shonda Rhimes, called Queen Charlotte.

• From Blood and Ash, Jennifer L. Armentrout

If you enjoyed reading A Court of Thorns and Roses, then it’s very likely you’ll enjoy this series, written by number 1 New York Times bestselling author, Jennifer L. Armentrout.

The From Blood and Ashseries continues to intrigue and attract new readers due to its themes of romance and vengeance, and the relatable qualities of the main character, Poppy. It’s a big commitment, with seven books in total to read, however the engaging plot and richly detailed world are just some of the reasons the series has become so popular amongst readers.

• Maple Hills, Hannah Grace

Blending romance, drama, and comedy is the Maple Hills series by Hannah Grace – a collection of three love stories about students attending the University of California.

Each book focuses on a different set of characters – Icebreaker about Anastasia and Nate; Wildfire about Russ and Aurora; and Daydream about Henry and Halle – so this isn’t a traditional book series that begins with book one and continues with a number of sequels. The core of the series is the small, cosy town of Maple Hill and the University of California in which the students attend – as well as topical themes that readers can relate to, including relationships and self-identity.

Ready to dive into your next book series?

These are just a few of the most popular book series garnering attention at the moment. But, if you’re keen to find more book inspiration, take a look at our top-rated reviews for critically acclaimed books across a range of genres.

And, don’t forget to keep up to date with the Victoria Freudenheim blog for all the latest literary inspiration and reviews.

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