Books to curl up with this winter

Every season is good for reading, but winter stands out as the ideal time to curl up with a good book, said Heather Frederick, library director at the West Concord Public Library.
“After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, during the cold months inside here in the Midwest, there is just something cozy about curling up with a good book,” she said.
“Ever since I was a child, I always gravitated toward books more than television or other forms of media and still, after all these years, books continue to be magical to me.”
Currently she is reading “The Princess Bride” by William Goldman. She favors fiction and mystery books, though she also enjoys memoirs.
“Being part of the monthly book group at our library has pushed me to explore other genres and discover authors I wouldn’t normally have read on my own,” Frederick said.
For reading recommendations, we’ve got you covered with suggestions from three area librarians. This season get comfy with any or, if you’re feeling overly ambitious, all of these books.
Title:“Beartown”
Author: Fredrik Backman
Genre: Fiction
Description: This book is the first in a three-part series. It is about a tiny community nestled deep in the forest and the legacy of their hockey team. When an event occurs that stirs up the entire community, people take sides and must determine where their loyalties lie. It explores small-town community and the secrets that can tear them apart.
Recommended by: Frederick
Title:“Bright Lights, Big Christmas”
Author: Mary Kay Andrews
Genre: Romance
Description: The Tollivers have sold their Carolina Christmas trees in New York City for years, but this is Kerry’s first time making the trip since childhood. She is startled to find herself beginning to feel at home in this quirky little corner of the city and succumbing to the charms of Patrick and his adorable son Austin. Will a potential new romance convince her to stay when the season’s over?
Recommended by: David Greenfield, library director, Kasson Public Library
Title:“I Do Not Eat Children”
Author: Marcus Cutler
Genre: Picture book
Description: This laugh-out-loud story will keep readers guessing until the end when a monster claims he would never eat a child as the children around him suspiciously disappear one by one.
Recommended by: Ingvild Herfindahl, library director, Dodge Center Library
Title:“The Life We Bury”
Author: Allen Eskens
Genre: Mystery
Description: When college student Joe Talbert is completing a writing assignment for his English class, he meets with veteran Carl Iverson at the local nursing home. Carl is a dying Vietnam veteran who has been convicted of murder and is medically paroled. As Joe interviews him, he begins to unravel his life story. Joe wrestles with deciding if he believes he is truly guilty of the crimes he has been convicted of and working to clear his name before it is too late if he is not.
Recommended by: Frederick
Title: “Waitingfor Christmas”
Author: Lynn Austin
Genre: Historical fiction
Description: Newlywed Adelaide Forsythe couldn’t be happier about the prospect of a quiet Christmas. Born into privilege, she is unprepared to run her own household. Then, on the first Sunday of Advent, winter winds bring change through two unlikely means: a young orphan boy and a seasoned housekeeper who seems too good to be true. As Christmas approaches, small glimmers of wonder light the way toward the answers Adelaide seeks and the most miraculous gift of all.
Recommended by: Greenfield
Title:“Mexikid”
Author: Pedro Martin
Genre: Graphic novel
Description: Pedro Martin has grown up in the U.S., hearing stories about his legendary abuelito, which means grandfather. During a family road trip to Mexico, he connects with his grandfather and learns about his own Mexican identity in this graphic memoir that’s good for both kids and adults.
Recommended by: Herfindahl
Title:“Murder By Month” mystery series
Author: Jess Lourey
Genre: Mystery
Description: This 12-book series was previously published from 2006-2019, but is now being republished in monthly installments beginning in April 2024 — March 2025. The series starts with May Day and follows the path of Mira James. She left the Twin Cities area to pursue life in rural Battle Creek following the end of a relationship and a dead-end job. She becomes employed at the local library and begins to meet the locals. Each book solves a mystery in the community and follows Mira on her journey of self-identity.
Recommended by: Frederick
Title:“The Mighty Red”
Author: Louise Erdrich
Genre: Romance
Description: High-school senior Kismet has two suitors — Gary, whose family owns the area’s largest beet farm, and Hugo, a bookish romantic who makes her laugh. This love triangle is set against the backdrop of the Red River Valley in North Dakota during the financial crisis of 2008. Along the way readers learn about the decimation of the environment by industrial agriculture, oil drilling, and the claustrophobic yet comforting life of a tight-knit community.
Recommended by: Greenfield
Title:“The Reappearance of Rachel Price”
Author: Holly Jackson
Genre: Young adult
Description: When her mother, who disappeared 16 years before, reappears while a true crime documentary about her case is being filmed, 18-year-old Bel — not buying her mom’s unbelievable story about what happened to her — must uncover the real reason Rachel Price is back from the dead.
Recommended by: Herfindahl
Title:“The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” series
Author: Alexander McCall Smith
Genre: Mystery
Description: This series is up to 25 books now. It starts out with “The Number One Ladies Detective Agency” and follows the lives of detective Precious Ramotswe and her assistant Grace Makutsi as they set up their agency and work on cases throughout Botswana and surrounding regions in Africa. You will enjoy the slow pace of life, the importance of taking time to drink tea with friends, and the cozy feel of this heartwarming series.
Recommended by: Frederick
Title:“The Wedding People”
Author: Alison Espach
Genre: Romance
Description: Phoebe Stone has hit rock bottom. She has always wanted to stay at the Cornwall Inn with her husband, but now that he’s left her she goes there to kill herself. When she arrives, however, she discovers that all of the other guests are there for a wedding extravaganza. The bride begs her not to ruin her perfect wedding with a suicide, and the two women begin to confide deeply in one another. Hi-jinks ensue, and Phoebe is given a new lease on life.
Recommended by: Greenfield
Title:“James”
Author: Percival Everett
Genre: Fiction
Description: One of the best books of 2024, this is a retelling of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” through the eyes of the enslaved James, who decides to hide on nearby Jackson Island after learning he is to be sold to a man in New Orleans.
Recommended by: Herfindahl
Title:“Little Women”
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Genre: Classic fiction
Description: This classic from the 1860’s continues to touch people’s lives. It has been adapted for screen multiple times over the years. The story starts out during Christmas time when a family of four girls is missing their father, who is away at war. The book goes on to explore themes of love and death, conflict and peace, personal ambition and family responsibilities. You can’t help but feel a personal connection to all of the characters, Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy, Marmee, and Laurie.
Recommended by: Frederick
Title: “ChristmasIn Bethel”
Author: Richard Paul Evans
Genre: Romance
Description: Leigh Beth Stilton has lived a hard life. One winter’s night she decides she can’t go on — until she comes across a book called “Bethel” and starts to read. The author’s words speak to her, and this connection gives her the strength to carry on. In a twist of fate, she runs into him in a coffee shop while he’s in town for a book signing, and the two immediately click. When she discovers that he hasn’t been completely honest, her hopes are dashed. Can they find their way back to each other?
Recommended by: Greenfield
Title:“Part of Your World”
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: Romance
Description: This book comes from a Minnesota author. ER doctor Alexis Montgomery’s world is turned upside down by a ridiculously hot carpenter who is 10 years younger. As her short-term fling turns into a relationship, she must choose between her ultra-wealthy parents and true love.
Recommended by: Herfindahl
Title:“Skipping Christmas”
Author: John Grisham
Genre: Fiction
Description: With Luther and Nora Krank’s daughter out of the country, the couple decides to take a year off from Christmas. They cancel all of their regular plans and instead book a tropical cruise vacation for themselves, only to upset many of their friends and neighbors. Their plans are upset when their daughter surprises them with last minute news that she will be back for Christmas. They have to throw together all of their past holiday traditions in an attempt to save Christmas and make their daughter feel welcome back at home. This book will have you in stitches as you look at the chaos and frenzy that has become part of our holiday traditions.
Recommended by: Frederick
Title:“Framed: Astonishing True Stories of Wrongful Convictions”
Author: John Grisham and Jim McCloskey
Genre: Non-fiction
Description: Our legal system is founded on the idea of “innocent until proven guilty,” but once someone has been found guilty it is very difficult to reverse that decision. Grisham and McCloskey relate ten stories of wrongful convictions and the hard-fought battles for exoneration. They uncover the racism, misconduct, flawed testimony, and corruption inherent in our legal system that makes these wrongful convictions so hard to overturn.
Recommended by: Greenfield
Title:“The God of the Woods”
Author: Liz Moore
Genre: Mystery
Description: It’s 1975, when a camp counselor discovers the 13-year-old daughter of the summer camp’s wonders has disappeared just like her brother 14 years earlier. A panicked search begins as the secrets of the Van Lear family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow are revealed.
Recommended by: Herfindahl
Title:“The Frozen River”
Author: Ariel Lawhon
Genre: Historical mystery
Description: This book takes place in 1789 and was inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned midwife. When the Kennebec River in Maine freezes and entombs a man in the ice, Martha is summoned to examine the body and determine the cause of death. As a midwife and healer she has close records of this small community and every birth, death, crime and debacle. She must use her information to determine what truly happened leading up to this man’s death.
Recommended by: Frederick and Herfindahl
Title:“Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist”
Author: Codi Hall
Genre: Romance
Description: Nick Winter has just been discharged from the military, but his homecoming is not going as expected. His long-time girlfriend cheated on him while he was stationed overseas. Heartbroken, he turns to his best friend, Noel Carter, and her endless supply of Christmas tunes to lift his spirits. He’s hopeful that an evening of fun together will help him forget about his ex. And then they kiss, and it feels oh so good. Will this be the last Christmas Nick spends with a broken heart?
Recommended by: Greenfield
Title:“Revenge of the Tipping Point”
Author: Malcolm Gladwell
Genre: Non-fiction
Description: Why is Miami … Miami? What does the heartbreaking fate of the cheetah tell us about the way we raise our children? Why do Ivy League schools care so much about sports? In this provocative new work, Malcolm Gladwell returns for the first time in 25 years to the subject of social epidemics and tipping points — this time with the aim of explaining the dark side of contagious phenomena.
Recommended by: Herfindahl
Title:“Winter Garden”
Author: Kristin Hannah
Genre: Historical fiction
Description: Meredith and Nina Whitson are as different as two sisters could be. Following their father’s death, they are brought back together under the scrutiny of their disapproving mother, Anya, who offers no comfort to her grieving daughters. As children, the only connection with their mother was through a Russian fairy tale that she told them sometimes at night. Thus begins a journey to uncover what happened to their mother over five decades ago in war-torn Leningrad and the secrets she has kept all this time, reshaping her life and making her into the person she is today.
Recommended by: Frederick
Title:“Spirit Crossing”
Author: William Kent Krueger
Genre: Mystery
Description: The latest Cork O’Connor mystery finds him investigating the disappearance of Olivia Hamilton, the teenage daughter of a state senator. His grandson stumbles upon a shallow grave, and at first Cork thinks that they have found Olivia. The remains turn out to be those of a young Ojibwe woman who had also gone missing. While digging into her disappearance, Cork uncovers a connection between her and Olivia. And Cork’s grandson might be the next target…
Recommended by: Greenfield
Title:“We Who Wrestle With God”
Author: Jordan Peterson
Genre: Non-fiction
Description: A study of foundational biblical narratives, exploring their psychological and cultural significance, aiming to provide insights into human nature, societal structures, and arguing for the potential for personal growth and transformation through an understanding of these ancient tales.
Recommended by: Herfindahl
Title:“The Lager Queen of Minnesota”
Author: J. Ryan Stradal
Genre: Fiction
Description: Two sisters, one farm. A family is split when their father leaves their shared inheritance entirely to his younger daughter. With the proceeds from the farm, one of the most successful breweries in the country is born. We meet a cast of lovable, funny, quintessentially American characters eager to make their mark in a world that’s often stacked against them. This is a novel about family, Midwestern values, hard work, fate and the secrets of making a world-class beer. If you listen to the audio-book version you will be delightfully surprised by the fun Minnesota accents and lingo.
Recommended by: Frederick
Title:“A Christmas Duet”
Author: Debbie Macomber
Genre: Romance
Description: Hailey Morgan has always dreamed of writing her own songs, but her life has led her to working as an assistant band director in Portland, Oregon. She is dreading spending the holidays with her meddling family, so when a close friend offers her an empty cabin for a solo retreat, she jumps at the chance. There she meets Jay, a charming former musician. Soon they are inseparable, and his encouragement inspires Hailey to believe in herself and chase her dreams.
Recommended by: Greenfield
Title:“Still Life”
Author: Louise Penny
Genre: Mystery
Description: Follow the work of Inspector Armand Gamache and his colleagues as he works in the small idyllic village of Three Pines in Quebec, Canada, to solve a murder mystery that appears to be a hunting accident. This is book one of a 19-book series. You will appreciate the engaging hero of Gamache, who commands his forces with integrity and quiet courage and a story that keeps you questioning the outcome up until the very last pages.
Recommended by: Frederick
Title:“The Grey Wolf”
Author: Louise Penny
Genre: Mystery
Description: On a quiet Sunday morning, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is disturbed by relentless phone calls from a mysterious stranger. Then his coat is stolen from his apartment, only to be delivered to his office with two anonymous notes inside. Enlisting the help of his son-in-law Jean-Guy and fellow investigator Isabelle Lacoste, they uncover a massive plot that endangers the lives of millions of people.
Recommended by: Greenfield