Your Winter Reading Guide: 6 Cozy Books You’ll Love

As an avid reader and traveler, it should come as no surprise to anyone that this post is going out today. There is nothing I love more than reading on planes, trains, and automobiles. I’m also absolutely guilty of listening to audiobooks at the gym, while knitting, and while food shopping. But these days, where I’m happiest is in a soft oversized leather armchair with light positive jazz or Lofi playing in the background.

_{Disclaimer: Some links in this post are from Bookshop.org. If you snag a book, you are helping support indie bookstores and me with zero extra cost.}

Table of Contents

Your Winter Reading Guide: 6 Cozy Books You’ll Love

For the Traveler: World Travel by Anthony Bourdain and Laurie Woolever

A budget-friendly way to travel without leaving the house. The late Anthony Bourdain, with his brutish and emo charm, will forever be one of my favorite travel and foodie voices. This guide is full of his signature blunt honesty and sharp humor paired with practical advice: where to go, what to eat, what to avoid, and the places that make the best memories.

Published in 2024 by Laurie Woolever, Bourdain’s longtime assistant and collaborator, this book feels like one final, heartfelt adventure with him. To say this would be such a treat for any holiday is an understatement.

The Homebody: A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

This cozy little novel has been on my list for ages, and it sounds like the ultimate homebody read. It follows Sera Swan, who’s lost her magic, been exiled from her Guild, and now runs an enchanted inn in Lancashire with her great-aunt and a talking fox. She’s constantly juggling quirky guests and unexpected magical mishaps. How do you not want to read this?

It’s the second book in a series, but can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone.

For the Creative: Get Started in Finger Knitting by Sabrina-Rose Benedict

The cutest gift for anyone who wants to knit but needs something super visual and beginner-friendly. This tutorial book uses chunky yarn and your fingers (no needles required) to make everything from ducks to blankets. It’s an easy, joyful way to tap into winter creativity.

Runner-up: Of Course It’s Good! by Jessica Secrest

A cozy cookbook that celebrates low-effort, high-comfort meals. Think pre-shredded cheese, tater tots, slow cookers, and simple ingredient lists. Perfect for food creatives that don’t want complicated recipes this season.

For the Sister: Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

Selfishly, I’m adding this because it’s one of my favorite books EVER. It’s a beautiful story about family, sisterhood, and second chances – with just a touch of magical realism. When Sydney returns home with her young daughter, she turns her older sister Claire’s quiet life completely upside down. And yes… there’s a garden with a mind of its own.

Everyone I’ve recommended this to has come back in a dreamy book-hangover haze asking for more like it. I still haven’t found anything that compares. A sincere 10/10 from me. 💕

Runner-up: Good for a Girl by Lauren Fleshman

A powerful, heartfelt memoir about pushing limits, injury, ambition, and fighting for better support for female athletes. Packed with honesty and grit.

For the Niece or Nephew: The Secret Hiding Place by Katherine E Volk & Illustrated by Arianna CICCIò

A darling picture book about a squirrel who forgets where he hid his winter stash of nuts after the first snowfall. Luckily, his forest friends jump in to help. SO cute. Perfect for little ones during the winter months!

For YOU! (Or ME ☺️): Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum & Translated by Shanna Tan

Another book sitting high on my TBR. Readers have raved about it since its release in April.

Yeongju is burned out. She followed every “supposed to” path (school, marriage, a respectable job) until it all fell apart. So she leaves her old life behind and opens a bookshop in a charming Seoul neighborhood. Surrounded by stories and new beginnings, she learns to rebuild in the gentlest way.

How can we not fall in love with this book??

And there you have it, friends! Six cozy reads with a few bonus picks. I hope this helps you find a perfect book to curl up with this winter… or even gift to your friends and family.

Don’t forget to check out my Books & Bookish Things page for more favorites (affiliate links included!) and subscribe to my newsletter for extra bookish finds, seasonal inspiration, and all the cozy travel vibes straight to your inbox.

Happy reading adventures!