AHH IT SNOWED LAST NIGHT!!! WINTER IS HERE!!
(alright that was a more terrifying affect than intended 😉 )
Okay- for reelz, it never normally snows in London, so I’m enjoying how pretty it is right now. And, rather appropriately, the post I had planned for today is actually about wintery books! Specifically my top ten wintery books! Let’s get to it:
Snow Child– the clue is in the title 😉 This exquisite tale, set in the fairy tale land of the Arctic winter, warmed me from the inside- I seriously recommend Snow Child for a cosy night in. And speaking of fairy tales…
Bear and the Nightingale– as was pretty obvious from my gushy review the other day I LOVED this book. It’s a magical retelling of Russian folklore and if nothing else, you are guaranteed spectacular descriptions of snowy landscapes 😉
The Secret Countess– Eva Ibbotson is a childhood favourite of mine and one of the reasons for that is her beautiful, mythical writing style. Her books are always enchanting, but this one in particular is romantic and heart-warming and perfect for this season (NB also known as A Countess Below Stairs)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone– speaking of childhood books, nothing says Christmas quite like Harry Potter. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t secretly dream of Christmas at Hogwarts?
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe– but if we want to talk a Christmasy dream come true, we’d have to go visit Narnia! I know, I know, Narnia is technically cursed to always be winter in Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe– yet that doesn’t stop it being so beautiful!
Christmas Carol– yes, yes, I know I’m reeling off the classics now- it’s just this is a classic for a reason. Obviously everyone knows the story, but I finally read this over Christmas last year and can tell you now it was *perfect*.
Railway Children– honestly, I think children’s books are great for this time of year. And since it’s already a tradition that they show the movie version on the TV every year (at least in the UK) why not pick up the book? It’s moving, it’s got beautiful themes about family and it’ll make you happy in the end.
Little Women– romance is what I’m looking to read most winters- and I don’t think you can get much better than this classic. It’ll make you laugh, it’ll make you cry, and it might even make you do both at the same time. Easily one of my all-time favourite books.
One Day in the Life of Ivan Densovitch– okay who said anything about all the books on here having to be happy? Sometimes winter gives us the chills- so if you want something a little darker, then this is the book to go for. It’s one of those quintessential books about the Soviet Union if you’re interested. (And at the risk of sounding like a book pusher, this is the kind of book everyone needs to read at some in their lives)
Murder on the Orient Express- I read this the other day (review to come soon) and the atmosphere was exactly right for a cold evening. The intrigue, the characters and the DRAMATIC twist all made for a thrilling read (kudos goes to Lashaan@Bookidote for finally convincing me to pick it up). What a great book for the winter period!
And that’s it! What do you think of my list? Agree? Disagree? And do you have any winter favourites to add? Let me know in the comments!
Great list! I cannot wait to read The Snow Child. ❤
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Thank you so much!! ❤ I really hope you like it 🙂
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For Narnia!!!!!
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hehehe!
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It is a completely white landscape out here as well. So a post like this could not be more appropriate 😀
Murder on the Orient Express is truly a great read. Looking forward to reading your review for it. One of my favorite novels in the winter is the second part of the Dragonlance Chronicles: Dragons of Winter night. It is the perfect read for me when it’s cold outside 😊 Great post!
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Oh lovely! 😀
It really is- thank you!
Ooh cool- I’ve never read that- but I could do with more wintery fantasy 😊 Thank you so much!
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Well, my blogname Raistlin: it’s one of the characters from this novel (and for me the best book character ever created 😀).
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Oh cool!! I didn’t know that!! Now I *have to* check it out!
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Ohh Harry Potter and Narnia, the perfect winter reads! 🙂
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Yes definitely!!! 😀
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I definitely agree with your picks! I’d also add The Bear and the Nightingale and The Girl in the Tower.☺️
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Thank you!! 😀
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Oops! I forgot that The Bear and the Nightingale was your first pick.🤦🏻♀️
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hehe no worries I saw 😉
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Great list!
Now put down the book and go take a quick walk in the snow before it melts away! 😄
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Thank you 😊
hahaha yes! 😉 Good advice lol 😉
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Great choices. I love Eva Ibbotson and I wish she were better known. Her romances are lovely and I also like her fantasy books. My copy of The Secret Countess is called The Countess Below Stairs. I don’t think I have a preference title-wise.
I thought that The Snow Child was a beautiful book, but I think I found it more melancholy than you did. That said it is a great wintery read.
Really, I agree with almost all of your picks!
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Thank you!! I couldn’t agree more- I love her books and writing style, but not enough people know her work nowadays. hehe I’m a little attached to the secret countess title if I’m honest 😉
Fair enough! It did have it’s moments- especially at the beginning. I don’t know why I didn’t see it that way the whole time, all things considered 😉
Thank you!
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I actually prefer The Secret Countess title also. It catches the interested more than The Countess Below Stairs does.
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Yeah I agree 😉
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I love that you suddenly included One Day in the Life of Ivan Densovitch right when everything felt warm and comfy hahahah So many of these are honestly awesome reads during this time of the year. You made me want to reread A Christmas Carol too. Fantastic classic. Thank you so much for the shout-out too!!! You’re too kind!!! ❤ I'm so super glad that you picked it up and enjoyed it. 😀
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hahaha I know- bit of a tone shift 😉 – I was just thinking of books I read in winter and it was too good to not include 😉 Definitely 😀 Oh yes it is!! And you’re very welcome!! ❤ 😀 I'm really glad I did too 😉
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I saw the movie Murder on the Orient Express. It was fabulous and filled a beautiful snowy landscape. I have never actually cracked open an Agatha Christie novel but its on my to do list!
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Oh fantastic- I’m really keen to check it out now. And this was the first for me and I was really pleasantly surprised by it 😊
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I want to read Murder on the Orient Express so badly! It’s been on my list for EVER and now with the movie out, it makes me want to read it even more.
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Definitely recommend it- it was a very entertaining read. I hope you like it! 😊
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Harry Potter and Narnia are the perfect winter reads in my opinion as well. Nothing quite says winter and Christmas than old childhood favourites and given Narnia is cursed with eternal winter well that just makes it even more perfect.
Also I really need to start The Bear and the Nightingale soon, probably won’t get around to it this year but maybe next year before winter is over. 😀
Great post, and great picks as well. 🙂 ❤
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I totally agree!! Absolutely!! 😊😊
It’s so great! I really really hope you like it if you get the chance to read it 🙂
Thank you so much!! 🙂 ❤
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Thanks, I hope so too! 🙂
Thanks. 😀 ❤️
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You’re welcome!! 🙂 ❤
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Great list!
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Thank you!
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I love your list. I’m adding The Bear and the Nightingale to my list of books to read!
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Thank you so much! That’s fantastic 😊
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It snowed here yesterday too! Where’s that global warming when you really want it?
Hot cocoa is my favorite on a cold day, with whatever book I’m reading…
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haha I know right?! 😉 I’m just about ready for a heatwave! (but it is pretty, so I’m not complaining too much- yet 😉 )
Ah I completely agree- I’m looking forward to having one before bed tonight 😁
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I totally agree with Harry Potter and Narnia! I love rereading my childhood books near the holidays! 😀
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Thank you! I’m glad you agree- I’m the same 😀
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Yay ‘Little Women’!
I put ‘The Bear and the Nightingale’ on my list as well and already got a sample, I do like that Russian & snowy winter setting!
My friends all send me snow pictures from Germany 😀 They are having a blast! And here I am preparing for 37 degrees on Wednesday!
Enjoy nice & cozy winter times with good books! 🙂
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Yes!! Love that book 😊
And I really hope you like it!
hahaha oh that’s quite different- have fun in the sun!! I’m actually pretty jealous right now- it’s so cold here!
Thank you! 🙂
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The Secret Countess is really good looking. Do you have a review about it somewhere? I’ll have to check it out! I adore Little Women! Overall great list indeed 😁
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I don’t actually, because I read it so long before making this blog and haven’t reread it in years (I’d have to get hold of a copy again). But I do think you’ll really like it- it’s a romantic story of a countess who runs away from the Russian revolution and it’s lovely 😁 Ahh I’m so glad you like that book! Thank you!!
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Definitely sounds like my kind of book. I love romantic stories especially in the time of turmoil. ❤
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Ah yes I really think you’d like it 😊 ❤
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If you loved The Snow Child, you should read Eowyn Ivey’s book To the Bright Edge of the World. It’s another beautiful story by her.
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Oh thank you so much for the tip- I definitely will 😊
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This is a great list. Unfortunately because I’m in Australia, I will be melting for Christmas, but I think it always helps reading stories that have snow because it makes me feel a little bit cooler hehe. Oh and I just read A Christmas Carol for the first time and I absolutely LOVED it!!! Great post 🙂
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Thank you!! haha yes, I always forget about that! But I hope you have a lovely time in the sunshine 😊 heheh that makes sense 😉 Yay!! So glad you liked it!! Thanks!! 😀
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AHH IT SNOWED HERE TOO! I’m literally so in the Christmas spirit right now. These are such perfect books for december!! I actually almost wrote a post super similar to this but I totally FAILED at thinking of enough books that have a wintery theme. I was watching tv yesterday and saw the trailer for murder on the orient express and I WANT TO SEE IT SO BAD. I didn’t even realize there was a book until now!! Hahaha I guess I’ll have to go check out the book from the library first…
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Yay!! I totally agree 😉
Thank you- so glad you agree!! Ah I look forward to checking it out 😊 And I definitely want to see that 🙂 Definitely recommend the book though- it was so entertaining! 😀
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Great choices. I definitely want to spend Christmas at Hogwarts. Think of all that food 😍
I’m sooo cold though that I want nice warming books. Thinking I may finally finish The Fireman 😂
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Thank you so much!! AHHH I KNOW!! 😍😍😍
haha I get that- it’s freezing in my flat right now 😉 I just want to snuggle up with a book in bed 😉 hahaha 😂😂
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Fantastic list! Some of these are among my favorites and few on my upcoming TBR. I am planning to read Murder on the Orient Express and the Snow Child this coming year. I wonder if I can squeeze them in before winter ends?
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Thank you so much! I’m glad to hear it 😊 I hope you like both of those- I definitely think it’s worth a try- they were both great for totally different reasons 😊
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Oh my… Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe ALWAYS remind me of winter and Christmas, too! ❄️🎄
It hasn’t snowed here yet but I’m already in the mood! So, I may go and pick up The Snow Child!
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Ahh yes!! Glad you agree 😀
Awesome!! That’ll definitely get you in the mood 🙂 ❄️🎄
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I’m reading the Snow Child right now and I’m CAPTURED! I love the dual POV and GAH the feels! I’m taking it to my book club party in a couple days… and I’m so glad I picked it… though the Bear and the Nightengale also sounds equally as good!
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Ahh I’m so glad!!! 😀 Fantastic!! And I feel like those both had similarly atmospheric feels 🙂 So definitely recommend that too!!
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I just read My New Crush Gave To Me and it’s such a cute Christmas/winter read. It made me feel all warm and cozy and like I melted into the floor with how cheesy and wonderful it was. It’s probably going to be one I return to every year around Christmas time to get me in the spirit. 🙂
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Awesome- that sounds lovely 😊 hehe oh then I *have to* check it out- thanks for the recommendation! Oh lovely!
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Yay! Hopefully, you end up a puddle of goo like me 😛
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hehehe yes 😉
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A Christmas Kerril by Denise Jaden comes to mind as a Christmas read. There’s nothing better than some Narnia adventures!
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Oh that sounds good! Absolutely 😊
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I’ve put a Christie on my Christmas break reading list!
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Ooh cool 🤗
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OMG, I’ve only read parts of the Narnia Chronicles and that’s it … nothing else on this list hahaha I feel so not up to date with wintery reads now.
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haha well then there’s loads to look forward to!! Anything else catch your eye 😉
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I don’t know! I am overwhelmed with possibilities and I think for now I will just stick to my forever backlisted books. I have loads to catch up on.
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hehe I totally get that!!
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Reading down hoping for Little Women and yes! there it is – noted the Ivan D story, great collection ✌🏽
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Awesome 😀 Thanks!!
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Hello! I absolutely agree that this is the perfect time to sit down and reread some childhood favorites! I just bought the Harry Potter box set recently (before, I borrowed from a friend but never owned the series!) And I am very excited to relive the experience!
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Hi! I definitely agree 😊 Ooh lovely!! It’s so nice to have the whole series! Awesome 😊
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Nice list there. I really would like to read Snow Child.
And I always assumed it snows a lot in London around this time, though whenever I imagine the city, I just think of it as bleak n rainy n cold.
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Thank you 🙂 Awesome!
Hehehe no, the climate’s actually mild here cos it’s an island- we don’t often get much snow, but it does rain *a lot* 😉
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I’ve had the Snow Child on my kindle for ages but haven’t had the time to get round to reading it yet!! This post has inspired me to take the plunge 😄
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Ah well great!! I ended up really loving it- so hopefully you will too 😄 And it’s perfect for this time of year!
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Excellent list! i’d add Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series. Laura paints the best bittersweet picture of growing up in the 1870’s. Whether the family is fighting off locusts or suffering through near-starvation during a blizzard the warmth of love shines through.
Who didn’t love greedy little Edmund in Narnia? LOL.
I read the Gulag Archipelago and had nightmares for weeks. Definitely don’t want to experience anything like that again–but everyone should know more about the evil that was communism in the Soviet Union.
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Thank you so much!! Oh great- I have actually been meaning to read that for *years*. I think I have a copy somewhere.
Hahaha I know right 😉
Yes I one hundred percent agree everyone should read it- I’m currently on the third volume (been making my way through it slowly all year, cos 3 600+ page books is a lot- especially when it’s as heavy going as this) I definitely think everyone ought to learn the true horrors of communism and how it was no accident that it was so murderous.
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Not only was the torture scary but the way they picked of the strong people first and then everyone turned on each other!
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Yeah I really agree. I think also reading what they did to children- which fundamentally linked back to their ideas about the destruction of the family in the Manifesto- really got to me the most. Some of the cases, where they’d enter and re-enter the child into the system, was just an endless cycle of evil.
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Great list, and I have actually read some of them this time not just all TBR.
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Thank you! hehe awesome!!!
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The Snow Child.. I think I recall your review and me thinking- yes, I wants! – and I never actually got around to it so that’s a good reminder! *note to self: get The Snow Child!* 🙂 Hmm.. I’m trying to think what books would make my Wintery list… The Bear and the Nightingale, defo… for some reason I want to also say Moomins here… er… drawing a bank now…I’m actually planning to spend the xmas days cuddled up with a massive hardback copy of Andersen’s fairy tales…
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hehehe yes!! Do!! I hope you like it!! And Bear and nightingale is perfect for winter, right? 😉 Ahh that’s such a lovely idea!!! hehehe I think I actually get what you mean about Moomins, though I’m not sure why 😉 I think that sounds wonderful and now I want to do the same!
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We don;t actually have winter here but I love reading HP when it gets less hot….. or our version of sweather weather at 26 degrees. lol
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hehe oh fair enough! 😉
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