The Best Cosy Winter Solstice Books
The winter solstice is all about rest. Rest and renewal. That’s why we wanted to share with you our favourite collection of books solely focused around the winter solstice itself, or ones that just give that ultimate cosy vibe. These books were made to be read with a blanket and open fire, that’s for sure.
We’ve even included some books for children, so they can enjoy this mystical season, too.
The below are just a few of our favourites. If you want some more suggestions, head on over to our bookshop.org page and check out our Winter Solstice Books list. You’ll have plenty to choose from for these cold, winter nights.
So, throw on some slipper socks, grab your favourite blanket, get your cup of tea ready, and chill-out with a good book whilst you stay warm and snug inside this winter solstice.
Fiction Books
1. Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher
Life seems to be perfect for Elfrida Phipps. She has a gorgeous cottage, a cute dog, and gets on well with her neighbours. That is, until tragedy strikes, and she finds herself in an empty, large, mysterious house in Scotland. Set during the winter solstice, this is the perfect cosy read.
2. Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
A story about two sisters that couldn’t be more different. One stayed home, had a family and now looks after the family business. The other, travels the world as a photojournalist. When their father gets gravely ill, the sisters come together again, and discover some secrets about their mother’s past that they wished had stayed, well, secret.
3. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
Set in 1920s Alaska, a strange girl is found on Jack and Mabel’s desolate land. Based on a Russian fairy tale, this book is mesmerising, with the wilderness of the bleak landscape and the complexities of the human heart threaded together.
4. Winter by Ali Smith
To truly feel connect to the cold, harsh world outside, read Ali Smith’s Winter. It’s a hard season, with long nights and darkness. Beautifully written, this book is a masterpiece, and shouldn’t be missed.
5. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
The first book in the Winternight trilogy, The Bear and the Nightingale is a beautifully written fantasy folklore tale set in northern Russia. It’s an enchanting tale of a wild girl’s ability to connect to the magic around her, and to see the darkness, too. If you liked The Night Circus, you’ll love this.
6. One Day in December by Josie Silver
Currently the Book Nook Book Club’s December read, One Day in December is a magical winter love story spanning the lives of 3 friends across 10 years. Do you believe in love at first site? Laurie didn’t, until she saw the love of her life, through the mist of her bus window. And a fleeting look is all it took for her to fall in-love. Then, then her bus drove away, and she lost him forever. Or did she?
Non-Fiction Books
7. Wilding by Isabella Tree
A story of hope when all was thought lost. This is part memoir, part ecological account of our amazing countryside. Wilding is about the ‘Knepp experiment’, where the land was left to go wild, in order to save it. Perfect for nature lovers in need of a pick me up this winter.
8. Wintering: A Season with Geese by Stephen Rutt
Winter is when all the geese return to the UK. The prose of Rutt’s Wintering is as magical as the geese’s winter journey. From the landscapes they travel over, to the long nights, you’ll certainly never look at a goose the same way again.
9. Fifty Words for Snow by Nancy Campbell
Every language has their own word for ‘snow’. Nancy Campbell explores the meanings behind these words, and the mystical stories they conjure. A very special book for any language lovers in your life.
Self-care Books
10. Wicca by Harmony Nice
If you’re looking to get more into the spiritual mood of the winter solstice, Harmony Nice’s book Wicca is the perfect winter read. It’s full of all year-round tips and information on how to celebrate the Wiccan festivals, plus more information on Wicca in general. There’s a helpful section on how to celebrate Yule, which is perfect for this time of year.
11. The Witch’s Book of Self-Care by Arin Murphy-Hiscock
The winter solstice is the perfect time to take care of yourself mentally and physically, so you’re fit and ready for the new year. The Witch’s Book of Self-Care is full of calming techniques and rituals to help you relax.
12. Luna by Tamara Driessan
Feeling stagnant and like you’re not achieving your goals is normal for this time of year. To get out of the rut, you just need some inspiration, and Luna is here to help. Through moon rituals for all phases, Luna helps you to build a deeper connection with the moon, and yourself.
13. The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking
Have you ever wondered what that secret ingredient of happiness was? Well, according to the Danes (the happiest nation in the world) it’s all to do with ‘Hygge’, and you’ve probably already experienced it. You know that feeling when the light is just right on a cold winter’s morning? Or when you’re snuggled-up warm and cosy in front of a fire? That feeling, that’s ‘Hygge’. This book is made for the cosy winter season.
14. Breath by James Nestor
We all breathe. Every second of every day. We have to. But did you ever think you could be breathing the wrong way? According to James Nestor, we’ve lost the ability to breathe correctly. He’s gone on a journey to discover the secret lost art of breathing. Even the smallest changes could improve our health. Breath is a revelation.
15. Lunar Living by Kirsty Gallagher
Similar to Luna, Gallagher’s book Lunar Living has some fascinating theories on how the lunar cycles can help us with our self-care, and how they can generally affect our everyday life. Perfect for rejuvenating your life this winter solstice.
16. Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
Winter is a time of calm, of depressing emptiness, but with the hope of eventual regrowth. Wintering is your guide to caring for yourself during times of personal winters, of times where you may need to repair yourself. Nature has its seasons, and so do we.
17. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
It seems that our society is built towards favouring extroverts. Being shy, quiet, and serious are seen as negatives. But why? Susan Cain explores how extroverts and introverts differ in their brain chemistry, and how why being an introvert isn’t a negative, but rather a strength. If you’re looking for a quiet, internal reflection this winter, read this.
Poetry Books
18. A Poem for Every Winter Day by Allie Esiri
A seasonal collection of hand-picked winter favourites. Fill every day with a dash of poetry, and you’ll start to appreciate the magic of winter.
19. The Lost Spells by Robert MacFarlane
Another collection of beautiful poems and illustrations to brighten-up any winter’s day. Definitely a book to be treasured.
Children's Books
20. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
We mentioned this in our previous blogpost, 21 of the Best Books for Gifts: Christmas 2020, but we think this deserves a place on this list, too. Full of magic, mystery and snow, no other book is as perfect to cosy-up with on a cold winter’s night than this, to truly appreciate the magic behind the winter solstice.
21. The Snowman and the Snowdog by Raymond Briggs
This book and CD combo are the perfect wintery gift. With amazing illustrations and narration by Benedict Cumberbatch, it’s the magical, snowy, winter’s tale of Billy and his snowman and snowdog.
22. Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
Have you been watching His Dark Materials on BBC? This is the book the first season is based on, and oh boy, you’re in for a real treat. The first in a trilogy, meet Lyra and her daemon, Pantalaimon. They live in Oxford and spend their days exploring the university, climbing buildings, and getting into trouble. But then, children start to go missing, and people start talking about mysterious, dangerous dust. Lyra’s life doesn’t stay peaceful for long. This has to be one of the most outstanding pieces of modern storytelling out there. If you’re looking for some magical fantasy this winter, look no further than Northern Lights.
What did you think of our list? The winter solstice is a time to let go of stress, and just enjoy the darkest night. I’m especially excited about re-reading Northern Lights this year. What’s your favourite? Let us know over on our Facebook page!
Remember, you can order any of the books above from The Book Nook, or by clicking on any of the books above. And don't forget you can also email us, too, at info@booknookshop.co.uk or call us on 01920 467 597 to place an order.