7 Captivating Books to Snuggle Up With This Winter

As the winter chill sets in, there’s no better way to boost your mood than by diving into a good book. Here’s a fresh selection of the latest releases that promise to captivate and inspire you.

The First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen

The women of the Waverley family are endowed with extraordinary gifts. Claire can concoct magical dishes from flowers, Sydney crafts hairstyles that can transform lives, and elderly Evannel bestows unexpected gifts that always come in handy. The small-town atmosphere, the warmth of a family home, and the enchanting magic that oozes from every line make this book irresistibly cozy. As the third installment in the series about the fairy-like Waverley girls, it continues to captivate fans with its unique blend of magic and realism.

Not a Life, But a Fairy Tale by Alena Doletskaya

Alena Doletskaya, the former editor-in-chief of Russian Vogue and Interview, offers a memoir that is sincere, ironic, and stunning. She reveals the nuances of the “glossy” life, the backstage details, and shares her personal experiences and worries. Doletskaya doesn’t shy away from discussing her famous parents or even her own huskies, making this memoir a truly captivating read.

Testosterone Rex: Myths and Truths About Gender by Cordelia Fine

Despite the efforts of feminist societies, many people still believe in the age-old stereotype that men are from Mars and women are from Venus. Cordelia Fine, a popular psychologist from the University of Melbourne, debunks these myths based on scientific research in neurology. She argues that intelligence does not depend on gender, presenting her case in a dynamic and cheerful manner, backed by confirmed facts from neurobiology, endocrinology, and philosophy.

Artemis by Andy Weir

From the author of the famous bestseller “The Martian” comes another captivating tale about the future of space. “Artemis” is set in the only city on the Moon, where people live much like they do back on Earth. What sets this book apart is Weir’s detailed description of the problems associated with living on another planet, grounded in scientific facts and the laws of physics. Weir spent over six years working on his second novel, and it shows in the fast-paced and captivating plot that hooks readers from the very first pages.

Ink by Alice Broadway

Some critics have dubbed “Ink” a teenage dystopia. In the world of the main character, every important life event is marked with a tattoo on the body, making one’s history visible to all. After death, a person’s story is read like an open book, with no secrets hidden. The main character aspires to become an inker, drawing stories on people’s bodies, but discovers a family secret that changes everything. This thought-provoking novel explores how to live with the truth when nothing can be changed.

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman’s new book may share a similar title with “American Gods,” but it’s a different beast altogether. “Norse Mythology” is a retelling of Nordic myths and fairy tales, bringing familiar heroes to life in a way that makes them feel more human and less “godly.” Some stories are funny, some bring tears to your eyes, but all are sure to captivate your imagination.

My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

Sophie Kinsella, the creator of the “Shopaholic” series, delivers another funny and heartwarming novel. “My Not So Perfect Life” follows Katie, a girl who shares snippets of her vibrant life on social media. But behind the perfect photos lies a less-than-perfect reality. Katie lives in a strange city, spends her entire salary on rent, and struggles to make friends. Amid a series of failures, she learns how to turn her luck around and changes her worldview, from preferring organic products to choosing a profession.

For more book recommendations, check out this collection.

7 Captivating Books to Snuggle Up With This Winter

As the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book. From gripping thrillers to inspiring non-fiction, we’ve rounded up seven must-read books that will keep you captivated all season long.

1. Before You Knew My Name by Jacqueline Bublitz

Genre: Thriller, Mystery

If there were an award for literature’s most compelling character, Alice Lee would undoubtedly win. This remarkable debut by Kiwi author Jacqueline Bublitz introduces us to Alice, an 18-year-old with a tragic past and a spirit that refuses to be silenced even in death.

Alice and Ruby, two women from vastly different backgrounds, arrive in New York City on the same day. Alice, with a stolen camera and a pocketful of cash, is escaping her abusive past. Ruby, a 36-year-old Australian, is fleeing from an engaged lover who won’t let her go. Their lives become intertwined when Ruby discovers Alice’s body during a morning run.

Bublitz’s vivid portrayal of New York City life is so authentic you’ll be surprised to learn she’s based in New Plymouth. Her sensitive handling of tough subjects makes this a standout novel. Be prepared to clear your schedule, as this book is impossible to put down.

2. The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton

Genre: General Fiction, Historical

Set in the 1970s, this debut novel tells the story of an unlikely musical duo: Nev, a ginger-haired British musician, and Opal, a black American singer with a powerful voice and a fiery spirit. Their rise to fame is cut short by a racially charged incident, and their story is revisited in 2016 by a music journalist uncovering long-buried secrets.

3. Inspiring New Zealand Women by Wendy Gillespie

Genre: Non-Fiction

Wendy Gillespie, a Tauranga-based writer and artist, shares the incredible stories of ten amazing New Zealand women in this uplifting book. From a woman who started an apprenticeship at 68 to another who taught herself to walk after a severe beating, these stories are sure to inspire and motivate.

4. Tall Bones by Anna Bailey

Genre: Crime, Mystery

Set in the small Colorado town of Whistling Ridge, this crime novel follows 17-year-old Abigail (Abi) Blake as she navigates the complexities of small-town life. When Abi disappears after a party, her best friend Emma is consumed by guilt and sets out to uncover the truth. Along the way, she uncovers secrets that many in the town would rather keep hidden.

British author Anna Bailey draws on her experiences living in small-town USA to create a compelling narrative that tackles tough topics like racism, homophobia, and abuse. Her silky smooth writing keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

5. The End of Men by Christina Sweeney-Baird

Genre: Thriller, Sci-Fi

In this dystopian novel, a virulent pandemic sweeps across the globe, decimating the male population. Told through the eyes of various women, from the UK to Sweden, this story explores what the world might look like if women were in charge. With thrilling storylines and plenty of twists, this debut novel by British lawyer Christina Sweeney-Baird is a gripping read.

For more book recommendations, visit Woman Magazine.