Six best comfort books for cosy winter reading

Need a book that feels like a warm hug? Cosy up with these nostalgic throwbacks and soul-healing new titles, hand-picked by librarians – the experts in settling down with a good story.

We all need a pick-me-up during the cold winter months. Luckily, long nights are a perfect time to escape into faraway lands. Getting comfy is the easy part. Put on some winter warmies, fill up your favourite mug and wrap up under a blanket. If you’re feeling extra atmospheric, light a candle or fireplace for a touch of warmth. 

The hard part is deciding on a perfect book to fit the mood. Whether you yearn for fantasy adventures, compelling mysteries, historical nostalgia or a slice of real life, we’ve got you covered. Our six favourite comfort reads come with guaranteed cosy vibes to warm up the cold season.

Once you’re comfortable, open your chosen story or press play on your eAudiobook and let your mind be whisked away.  

Best cosy books for winter 

1. Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

If a cosy coffee shop in a fantasy town is somewhere you’d like to be, this book will be a tasty treat. Meet Viv, a seasoned orc warrior, ready to trade her axe for an espresso machine. In the quaint town of Thune, she embarks on a new quest: brewing the perfect cup of coffee and sharing its magic with the quirky locals. But while whipping up lattes and mastering the art of a good roast, Viv's former life refuses to stay firmly in the past. She's going to need her new friends by her side. Settle in for a feel-good story of second chances, immaculate vibes and the power of a cup of joe to bring people together.

2. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery 

This heartwarming historical classic has been a popular children’s favourite for many an era, yet its eloquent writing style makes for an engaging read at any age. After a turbulent beginning in life, Anne Shirley is an orphan gifted with a determination that grants her a second chance at a happy childhood. Witness a dramatic, deep-feeling, satisfyingly free-range girl find strength in friendships and beauty in the simple life on Canada’s rural Prince Edward Island. 

3. Midwinter murder: fireside mysteries from the queen of crime by Agatha Christie

What's more inviting than curling up with a captivating mystery by the legendary Agatha Christie? This collection of captivating short stories, some featuring the beloved detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, promises cosy thrills against a wintry backdrop. Unwrap a world of intriguing puzzles, where danger lurks beneath fluffy snowdrifts and unexpected twists hide within seemingly harmless gifts. 

4. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

This book is so beautiful that it was later transformed into an animated film with a huge cult following. Filled with talking scarecrows, fire demons with a penchant for cleaning, and a gentle touch of anti-war sentiment, the imaginative value of this story is like no other. Embark on a whimsical adventure that celebrates self-acceptance, unconventional romance and magic that can bloom even in the most unexpected places. Once you’ve ventured through the book, you can watch it come to life on screen without even leaving your blanket.

5. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden  

The first book of the Winternight Trilogy, The Bear and the Nightingale will transport you from a damp New Zealand winter into a world of snowy forests and firelight. In this atmospheric fantasy set in medieval Russia, the church rules over all while folktales and stories of sorcerers are passed on in whispers. The young, wild and wilful Vasya alone can see the monsters emerging from the myths and the shadows. With dark magic on the rise and a stepmother hell-bent on suppressing and silencing her, Vasya's visions and a mysterious necklace from a stranger may be the only light shining in a long, dark winter.

6. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she's never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book. Through a series of letters, Juliet befriends the members of the "Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society", a group formed under unusual circumstances during the German occupation of the island. As Juliet delves deeper, she uncovers tales of resilience, friendship and the power of literature in the face of hardship. This heartwarming read is perfect for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a touch of romance and a quirky cast of characters.

Ready to cosy up, but still curious about what else is out there? The list doesn’t end here! Discover the full list of cosy fiction recommended by our library staff, available to borrow for free with your library card.