My Winter 2024-2025 Reading List
In this post, I reveal the five books I’ll be reading this winter!
Winter is upon us, and it happens to be my favorite reading month. I love cozying up with a book and a mug of tea while watching it snow outside (Please, let there be a snow day this year!). Winter is a time when I want to read lengthier books, books with a bit more substance, and a little bit of fantasy. And, of course, books that take place in winter to romanticize the chill in the air!
Last winter, I had six books on my reading list and only read two of them. I ended up reading some different books instead because I wasn’t feeling what I originally chose. This year, I have five books on my list, and I’m feeling ready for all of them! Here are the books you will find on my bookshelf this season.
As important as I think it is to support libraries and independent bookstores, I understand this is not a possibility for everyone. So, I’ve included links to purchase the books mentioned in this post through Barnes & Noble and Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which is the best way you can support this blog. Ultimately, please choose the method that works best for you!
Anastasia
By Sophie Lark (2022)
Fantasy Romance/Historical Fiction. This is a reimagining of the tragic Romanov family story with a magical twist! Anastasia is the only member of her royal family who does not possess a magical gift - or so she thinks. Her gift starts to emerge as she starts to spend more time with Damien, a ward the family takes in, and someone Anastasia is growing to love. But it seems that the magical gift Anastasia possesses is the same power shared by the Black Monk Rasputin, and when Anastasia makes a terrible mistake, there are major consequences… and setting things right comes with a high price. This book also contains stunning illustrations by Line M. Erikson.
Ever since I was a kid, one of the parts of history I’ve been fascinated by is the story of the Romanov family and the mystery that surrounded what happened to Anastasia Romanov (no longer a mystery, folks). This fascination is 100% rooted in the animated movie about Anastasia that came out in the 90s! I love reading books based on Anastasia, whether someone is claiming to be her or she somehow ends up surviving the Bolshevik Revolution. This one will be particularly interesting since it involves magic! The author also includes a playlist to listen to while reading the book, which I always love. I adore the wintery cover, and can’t wait to see the illustrations - it will be a perfect book to hunker down with in the colder months!
Native: Life in a Vanishing Landscape
By Patrick Laurie (2020)
Nonfiction. Patrick Laurie decided to return to his family farm in the region of Galloway, Scotland, which is the opposite of what many people have done. Galloway is becoming a deserted landscape, having become commercial forest instead of the beautiful moors that once covered the hills. This has led to the decline of some species of ground-nesting birds, one of which is the curlew. Patrick invests in some Riggit Galloway cattle, which is a traditional breed that requires farming practices much older and different from the conventional cattle farming of today. Laurie discovers the relationship raising the cattle have with restoring the land, and how farming can heal a vanishing landscape.
Waterstones (UK) Amazon (affiliate)
I went to Scotland for the first time this year, and purchased this book while I was there. I love reading books about nature and farming, especially regenerative agriculture. This book hits the spot with my interests, and earns bonus points because it is about the beautiful country of Scotland!
The Frozen River
By Ariel Lawhorn (2023)
Historical Fiction/Mystery. This story is based on the life of Martha Ballard, a midwife and healer living in Maine in the 18th century. When a body is discovered in the river, Martha is first to examine the corpse and determine the cause of death. The deceased has been accused of raping a woman months earlier, and Martha believes his death to be a murder. However, a local physician determines the death was accidental, despite the evidence. Martha must investigate the murder on her own, and decide where her loyalties lie after what she discovers.
I’ve actually already started reading this one, and I’m hooked. I’m not typically a historical fiction reader unless it hits a point of interest (Like the Romanovs!). A friend told me I may like this one since I enjoy mysteries and books that take place in the 1700s. She was right; I love it so far! Martha is strong, confident, and independent. She is a fantastic as a main character, and I know she is going to show her fierce side soon enough! I can’t wait.
Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)
By Sarah J. Maas (2012)
YA Fantasy. Assassin Celaena Sardothien has been imprisoned, but has a chance to win her freedom if she can defeat 23 different killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition. With this freedom, Celaena will be pardoned to serve as the king’s champion under a 4 year contract. Even though she hates the empire which she may end up serving, her freedom is more important. But things aren’t what they seem in the castle, and there is evil lurking about. Her competitors start to turn up murdered, and Celaena is no longer in a competition, but rather a fight for her own survival.
My sisters and I read through the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, some of which I liked. I am usually pretty selective about fantasy since I don’t love it as a genre. I try, though! One of my sisters has been reading the Throne of Glass series, and she believes I would like it more than ACOTAR. I prefer less spice and more woman warrior action, and this book seems to have that, so I’m giving it a go!
The First to Die at the End (Death-Cast #0)
By Adam Silvera (2022)
YA Sci-Fi/LGBTQ+. This story is the prequel to They Both Die at the End, and takes the reader back to the beginnings of Death-Cast, a phone call people can sign up to receive letting them know that this will be the day of their death. Orion has a heart condition and has been waiting for the day of his death to come, while Valentino’s sister nearly died in a car accident, and he wants to be prepared for his own death. The night before the first ever Death-Cast phone calls go out, Orion and Valentino meet, and it feels like destiny. But tonight, only one of these boys will receive a call from Death-Cast, and the other will not. The pair decide to spend these last moments together, not knowing what will happen or how their hearts will break.
I read They Both Die at the End a few years ago, and I still think about it pretty often. That book made my heart swell and break all within a few hundred pages. I cried a lot. I love sad books. I hope this one is equally as moving. Also, check out that cover art! Do you see the skull and the grim reaper?
Please let me know what is on your winter reading list! What types of books speak to you when it’s cold outside? Will we be reading any of the same books this season? Whatever you end up reading, I hope the books you choose are wonderful. Thanks for stopping by to peruse my bookshelf! :)