Great Books to Read This Winter
Winter is a time when readers try to catch up — on new releases, recommendations, or books they’ve been meaning to enjoy. The titles below are the top picks of a group of independent booksellers. Spanning a range of genres, they are great options for winter reading without the
guesswork! By the way – books make thoughtful Valentine gifts for the reader in your life!
- Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino (Thriller) A darkly funny, fastpaced novel about a couple navigating the pressures of today’s housing market — and the lengths one woman is willing to go to secure their future.
- Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn (Nonfiction / True Crime) A compelling true story that blends family history with espionage, proving that real life can be stranger — and more unsettling — than fiction.
- Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz (Fantasy) A cozy, character-driven fantasy set in a quirky town full of charm, humor, and heart.
- Every Day I Read by Hwang Bo-reum (transl. Shanna Tan) (Memoir) A thoughtful collection of short reflections on reading, burnout, and slowing down — perfect for busy readers.
- I, Medusa by Ayana Gray (Fantasy) A powerful retelling of the Medusa myth that explores agency, identity, and power through a modern lens.
- The Bookshop Below by Georgia Summers (Fantasy) A magical and slightly dark love letter to bookshops, where mystery and found family intertwine.
- 59 Minutes by Holly Seddon (Thriller) A tense, high-stakes novel built around a chilling question: what would you do with 59 minutes before a nuclear strike?
- The Mating Game by Lana Ferguson (Romance) A witty, heartwarming paranormal romance that balances humor, chemistry, and emotional depth.
We’d Love to Help!
Looking for your next great read? Stop by Commonplace Reader to explore these titles, discover new favorites, and get personalized recommendations from knowledgeable booksellers who know their shelves — and their community.
