Winter has arrived, but for many of us, the snow hasn’t. While we wait for that magical first snowfall to blanket the world in white, there’s no reason we can’t create our own frosty wonderland with the right stories. These books transport you to icy forests, snow-covered cities, and festive holiday settings, perfect for imagining the crunch of snow underfoot or the cozy warmth of a fire after a chilly day outside.
Whether you’re longing for a snowstorm or simply love the idea of curling up with a book that feels like winter, these reads will help you bring the magic of snowy days to life—no matter the weather.
1. How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow (YA)
After a messy breakup, college freshman Shani is ready to throw herself into her winter internship, not love. But a literal run-in with May—who’s everything Shani isn’t looking for but maybe everything she needs—complicates her plans. Set against the snowy backdrop of Washington, D.C., this sapphic romance brims with humor, holiday charm, and heartfelt emotions.
Trigger Warnings: Mentions of past homophobia, parental death.
2. Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun (Adult)
Ellie’s life is far from the picture-perfect holiday she envisioned. After losing her dream job and experiencing a disastrous breakup, she reluctantly agrees to a marriage of convenience with a charming landlord. The catch? She ends up snowbound with his family—and her fake fiancé’s sister happens to be her one-night stand from last Christmas. This festive, snow-filled romance is packed with tension, laughs, and warmth.
Trigger Warnings: Anxiety, parental abandonment.
3. The Holiday Trap by Roan Parrish (Adult)
Greta feels trapped by her overbearing family in Maine, while Truman can’t escape the memories of his ex in New Orleans. When they swap homes for the holidays, they each find unexpected freedom, new friends, and romance—Greta with a florist in New Orleans and Truman with a kind-hearted man in Maine. This dual love story unfolds across two charming wintry settings and explores themes of self-discovery and belonging.
Trigger Warnings: Family estrangement, grief.
4. Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell (Adult)
Set in a politically fraught galaxy, this queer space opera follows Prince Kiem, a scandal-prone royal, and Count Jainan, a reserved widower, as they navigate an arranged marriage to stabilize an alliance. Together, they uncover a conspiracy that threatens not just their lives but the fate of their empire. Packed with intrigue, slow-burn romance, and a wintry atmosphere, this book is perfect for fans of political intrigue and sci-fi.
Trigger Warnings: Depictions of past domestic abuse, political manipulation.
5. Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert (YA)
When Suzette returns home to Los Angeles for the summer, she must reconcile her bisexual identity, navigate complicated relationships, and help her stepbrother, Lionel, manage his bipolar disorder. This poignant story delves into love, family dynamics, mental health, and self-discovery, all set against the occasional cool winter breeze of L.A. nights.
Trigger Warnings: Mental illness, biphobia, racism.
6. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson (YA)
This powerful memoir-in-essays chronicles the experiences of growing up Black and queer in America. From childhood stories to reflections on identity, family, and love, Johnson’s writing is both raw and uplifting. While not set in a snowy world, this book is an essential, soul-stirring winter read that invites introspection and empathy.
Trigger Warnings: Sexual assault, homophobia, racism.
7. Love, Violet by Charlotte Sullivan Wild, illustrated by Charlene Chua (Children’s Picture Book)
This beautifully illustrated picture book captures the sweet, innocent charm of first love. Violet is shy but determined to show her classmate Mira how much she cares. Set during the winter season, the snow-covered setting adds an extra layer of magic and warmth to this adorable story.
Trigger Warnings: None.
8. You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky (Adult)
Matthew Prince is used to having everything his way—until a PR disaster lands him in exile at his grandparents’ small-town home. Sharing close quarters with the grumpy-but-charming Hector, he’s forced to reevaluate his life, priorities, and feelings. With its holiday cheer, enemies-to-lovers romance, and themes of self-growth, this book delivers plenty of laughs and heart.
Trigger Warnings: Anxiety, family conflict.
9. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden (Adult)
In a small village on the edge of the Russian wilderness, Vasilisa grows up listening to fairy tales of frost demons and spirits. But when new religious fervor threatens these ancient traditions, Vasya must protect her family and her homeland by embracing her connection to the old magic. With lush prose and a richly atmospheric setting, this story transports readers to a snowy, mystical world.
Trigger Warnings: Death, arranged marriage, religious fanaticism.
10. We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal (YA)
In the cursed lands of Arawiya, Zafira disguises herself as a man to hunt and feed her people, while Nasir, the crown prince, is an assassin tasked with ensuring she doesn’t succeed. As their paths collide during a perilous journey, they discover secrets about their world—and themselves—that will change everything. This lush fantasy draws on Arabian culture and folklore, with parts set in an icy, wintry forest.
Trigger Warnings: Violence, death, war themes.
Whether you’re waiting for snow to fall or creating your own winter wonderland, these books bring frosty magic, heartwarming love, and gripping adventures to life. With a diverse mix of queer and POC voices, this list promises something for every reader dreaming of a snowy escape.
What’s your favorite book to read when you want to imagine a snowy day? Let me know in the comments!
Note: Trigger warnings are provided based on available information to assist readers in making informed choices.
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