What I’m Reading: My Top Winter 2025 Book Picks

The temperatures are dropping, it’s pitch-black by the time I shut my laptop, and I’ve filled my home with candles that smell like pies. You know what that means—we’ve officially entered the cozy season. This time of year, there’s nothing I enjoy more than finding new excuses to stay parked on the couch under a fuzzy blanket. With this in mind, I figured it was the perfect time to share my top winter 2025 book picks with you!

When I choose a book, I generally look for a strong female protagonist who can keep me glued to the pages. Historical fiction and dystopian thrillers tend to be my go-to genres, so you’ll see a lot of those in my recommendations. I never recommend anything I haven’t already read, because that would be disingenuous. So, without further ado, here are my winter 2025 book picks! 

7 Captivating Books to Read in Winter 2025

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

First thought? Holy crap, this book is long. Last thought? Holy crap, this book should be twice as long—I don’t want it to be over. Set in France during World War II, The Nightingale tells the story of two sisters. Isabelle and Vianne’s lives are torn apart by the Nazi occupation. They each face impossible choices, and their resilience, courage, and love for one another are tested in unimaginable ways.

What I loved most about this book was how vividly it pulled me in. Hannah’s insane attention to detail transports you straight into the heart of war-torn France, living and struggling alongside them. I devoured this book, mourned when it was over, and still think about it. If you’re a fan of historical fiction that makes you feel like you’re in the story, make this your next read.

The Only Woman in the Room by Heather Terrell

As a Jewish woman, I’m particularly drawn to WWII stories, and The Only Woman in the Room did not disappoint. This fictionalized account of Hedy Lamarr’s life shows the challenges she faced as both a Hollywood star and a brilliant inventor in a male-dominated world. It’s a powerful reminder not to underestimate the strength and intellect of a woman. Take notes, boys!

Reading about Hedy’s resilience and ingenuity made me wonder if I’d have the same courage she displayed under such paralyzing circumstances. Her patience and bravery left me inspired, and I deeply admired her tenacity. This one’s for anyone who appreciates a story of strength under fire or needs a reminder of the potential within us all.

We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz

Compared to many of the books I read, We Were Never Here was what I’d call a light read. Yes, there’s murder, trauma, and betrayal, but Bartz delivers it in a way that’s more thrilling than scary. Or, maybe I’m just a dark and twisty weirdo. It follows two best friends who find themselves in a deadly situation while on vacation, and things just keep spiraling from there.

The constant suspense had me clawing at the pages for more, especially towards the end of the book. If you love a good plot twist that makes you question everything you think you know, this is a perfect winter read for cozy nights at home. Unless, of course, you’re prone to nightmares.

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

If you haven’t read this one but the name sounds familiar, you may recognize it from the Hulu series. I highly recommend both, but read the book first! Set during WWII, this novel follows a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths cross amidst the war. All The Light We Cannot See was unlike any other war novel I’ve read, with unique perspectives that are rarely explored.

What stuck with me most is the message that we’re all capable of making real change and impacting others, no matter our circumstances or perceived weaknesses. It’s a beautifully written reminder of the power of resilience and kindness. This one’s for anyone who wants to see the world from a different angle—but maybe keep a few tissues nearby.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I doubt I’m the first person to rave about this one, but I had to include it nonetheless. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo tells the story of a Hollywood starlet whose life is as complex as it is glamorous. In all honesty, this wasn’t my usual type of book. I gave it a shot after seeing endless praise, and I’m so glad I did. 

It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once, exploring the life of a woman who is layered, flawed, and deeply relatable. Evelyn’s journey to figure out who she is and live authentically resonated with me, just as it did with so many others. If you enjoy stories about love, loss, and the complexities of identity, add this one to your winter 2025 book list.

Vox by Christina Dalcher

If you loved The Handmaid’s Tale, you’ll want to pick up Vox next. It’s set in a near-future dystopian world where women are limited to 100 words per day, which is truly inconceivable as a self-proclaimed chatterbox. I have far too much to say. After society has deemed what women have to say unimportant, one woman’s words turn out to be the thing they need most. 

Don’t you love that kind of kick-in-the-pants irony? It’s an unsettling yet strangely relevant read, especially in the wake of Afghan women being stripped of their right to speak publicly. It’s also a stellar reminder of the impact our voices can have. Vox will make you feel excited, angry, frightened, and emboldened. I’ll admit, it’s a polarizing book that sparked a lot of opinions—but give it a try and see where you stand.

The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester

After devouring The Nightingale and The Only Woman in the Room, I needed another WWII story with a fierce female lead. Luckily, The Paris Seamstress did not disappoint! The story followed a multigenerational timeline, weaving in and out of the perspectives of Estella, a young seamstress living in WWII Paris, and her granddaughter. 

This book was sexy, tragic, immersive, and beautifully layered with historical detail. The dual timeline kept me hooked, and I was completely invested in both journeys. If you love a book that balances romance and mystery with rich historical intrigue, this one’s for you.

Winter 2025 Book I’m Currently Reading: Mister Magic by Kiersten White

I’m about halfway through Mister Magic, and it’s absolutely nuts. The story follows a group of former child stars who were on a popular but mysterious children’s TV show called Mister Magic. Decades later, they reunite to uncover the truth about the show’s abrupt ending and the dark secrets surrounding it. 

Equal parts eerie and nostalgic, it explores the blurred lines between memory, reality, and imagination. I genuinely have no clue where it’s headed, which is both irritating and intriguing. I’m hopeful that the ending will pull it all together in a satisfying way, so keep your fingers crossed for me. And if you’ve already read this one, let me know what you thought of it! 

Final Thoughts

There you have it—my top winter 2025 book picks for cozy nights by the fireplace! Whether you’re into historical fiction, thrillers, or something entirely new, I hope you find a book (or a few) here that piques your interest. If you have any suggestions for me, I’d love to hear them. Be sure to check out my other blog posts for tips and insights on all things content marketing. Until next time, happy reading!