I live in the midwest, where winters come with frigid temperatures, seemingly endless hours of darkness, and slippery sidewalks that seem intent on breaking people’s necks. For all of its downsides, though, winter has some big upsides. For me, snow is at the top of the list. I love skiing and snowshoeing in it. I savor the crunch of it underneath a pair of warm boots. And I especially adore the way it looks while falling in fat flakes outside my window, while I’m snuggled inside with a good book. Here are a few novels with snowy settings that are perfect for doing just that. Let it snow!
How I Came to Sparkle Again by Kaya McClaren
How I Came to Sparkle Again by Kaya McClaren
Told from three different points of view, this novel set in the fictional ski town of Sparkle, Colorado is a heartwarming story about unlikely connections and overcoming loss.
What Burns Away by Melissa Falcon Field
What Burns Away by Melissa Falcon Field
Claire Spruce, a lifetime New Englander, relocates to Wisconsin in midwinter when her husband gets a new job. Her increasing sense of isolation leads her to reconnect online with her first love, Dean. What begins as a flirtation quickly becomes complicated when Dean asks her to repay an old favor that could upend her life. This is smoldering page-turner that’s perfect for a cold day. Learn more about this novel in BookTrib’s review.
Family Trees by Kerstin March
Family Trees by Kerstin March
A winter storm bears down on a struggling family orchard that overlooks Lake Superior. Meanwhile, the orchard’s likely heiress falls in love with a media mogul from the city, despite her family’s best efforts to drive them apart. Read the Tall Poppy review here to learn more.
L’Affaire by Diane Johnson
L’Affaire by Diane Johnson
American Amy Hawkins travels to a ski resort in the French Alps for some culture and adventure. When a British publisher is seriously injured in a landslide, Amy makes efforts to help his family, only to become embroiled in a multinational family feud over who will inherit the man’s fortune.
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
On a cold and snowy night in 1910, Ursula Todd is born, but dies before she can draw her first breath. On that same cold and snowy night, Ursula Todd is born, lets out a cry, and embarks upon an extraordinary life. This unconventional novel explores two alternate realities of one character, posing questions about fate and “what ifs” that are perfect for contemplating in front of a roaring fire.
