When the weather is chilly and you’re all decked out in a cashmere sweater with your dry skin regimen underway, there’s no excuse not to read.
On Audible, it’s never been easier to curl up on the couch with your next favorite book and a comfy blanket. With favorite titles — hint hint, check out Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club — you’ll soon make it your daily mission to read every night before bed.
Or try to, anyway. On some nights, you’ll probably be perusing our many gift guides to get a head start on some holiday shopping.
If you haven’t tried out the popular listening platform yet, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial of Audible here. And it’s not just books — you’ll have access to podcasts and even sleep tracks for a good night’s rest with that same blanket.
Plus, some popular titles you can’t go wrong with include Jane Austen’s “Pride & Prejudice,” James Clear’s bestselling “Atomic Habits” and Emily Giffin’s ‘Something Borrowed,’ among other great reads.
As an avid reader who always surfs blogs with “what to read next” headlines, this edit of the best winter books to download on Audible is one of my favorites to curate — and hopefully, one of your favorites to gain inspiration for your TBR list.
Ahead, find the 25 best winter books to add to your personal library this season across a variety of genres, with some personal recommendations included, too.
What it’s about: Laurie locks eyes with a man whom she instantly classifies as “the one” at a bus stop window — one day in December — and spends a year scanning every bus stop and London cafe to find him. And she may meet him unexpectedly…
I read Josie Silver’s bestselling book last December (so on-season, I know) and it was the cutest contemporary romance story to go through on a cozy day. It’s definitely one to add to your reading list this season — and one you won’t forget.
What it’s about: The four Delaney siblings are in a sharp divide when, one day, their mother goes missing. With parents who have the stereotypical “perfect marriage,” the siblings begin to reexamine their family history in a new light, where half the siblings believe their father is innocent, the others deeming him guilty.
As the author of “Nine Perfect Strangers,” “Big Little Lies” and “The Husband’s Secret,” Liane Moriarty’s new book is cover-to-cover suspense of family ties, hidden secrets and a great deep dive to keep you transfixed this winter.
What it’s about: A journey through 87 emotions and experiences that explain the human experience, including meaningful notes on forming strong connections and interpersonal relationships.
Authored by one-of-a-kind researcher Brené Brown, her new book is the perfect learning tool to soak into before New Year’s resolutions of focusing on emotional health and the bonds in your life. Plus, it’s one of the top hits on Audible right now.
What it’s about: Tiffy and Leon, two roommates, share a flat (one working a daytime work shift, the other nighttime) — and both haven’t met. After communicating through Post-It notes in the flat and homecooked leftovers, it’s a story of meeting people in unexpected places.
“The Flatshare” is undoubtedly one of the best books I read this year. It’s absolutely adorable, has a unique storyline and will be the next feel-good read you recommend to all your friends after you finish it.
What it’s about: A book about belonging and identity, a fig tree serves as the only symbol of history and connection to the island Ada Kazantzakis lives. It’s a beautiful nod to an individual finding a place in a big world.
As Reese Witherspoon’s November pick in her book club, “The Island of Missing Trees” is one of those books with a touching message you’ll want to soak into this winter.
What it’s about: A suspense-stricken novel about a woman’s twisted yet intriguing relationship with her mother-in-law that, yes, ends in murder.
I read “The Mother-in-Law” in a single sitting and, let me tell you, it’s one of those books for which you have to find out the ending before you put it down. Captivating and descriptive, Sally Hepworth’s mystery is inherently brilliant not to experience.
What it’s about: Katie Couric’s memoir on how she transformed from the girl next door to a household name in the broadcast industry.
Known for her hooking interviews and incredible news packages, Katie Couric is a role model for many entrepreneurs, budding journalists and self-starters. In her new memoir, she packs in the reliability and inspiration just in time for the new year.
What it’s about: Perfect for psychology lovers, this book explains how evolutionary influences pertaining to attachment and love influence our romantic relationships today.
Written by psychiatrist and neuroscientist Amir Levine and psychologist Rachel S. F. Heller, this personal development is especially great for anyone — regardless of relationship status — to learn how we act the way we do in an interpersonal setting.
What it’s about: Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are a fine representation of the American Dream in the New South until Roy is arrested and sentenced to 12 years for a crime Celestial knows he couldn’t have committed. It’s a story about love, accepting the past and moving forward with the present.
If you’re interested in historical fiction that isn’t too slow to follow (we’ve all been there), “An American Marriage” is the next book you should download on Audible. I read it in a few days and it definitely pulled at my heartstrings.
What it’s about: A historical fiction tale about living in the Great Plains during the 1934 drought — a compelling read about sacrifice, uncertainty and courage.
Recommended by a friend, I was so touched while reading “The Four Winds.” First off, the setting of Texan farm life during 1934 is unlike anything I’ve ever read. And you can’t help but count your blessings after reading. It’s a five-star rating for me.
What it’s about: Alice Hale leaves her career as an NYC publicist to move into the suburbs — and into a home where she finds hidden notes left by the previous owner, a 1950s housewife. Soon enough, Alice begins to find similarities that make her question her own marriage.
Plot — that’s all I have to say about “Recipe for a Perfect Wife.” It’s so clever at blending two time periods into an eerie and insightful story about two women who have secrets. It was such a treat to read this winter, and one you should definitely download on Audible.
What it’s about: A reassuring, nonfiction read about living more simply and minimally amid life’s expectations to succeed, consume and burn out.
As a soul-happy book to read before tackling the new year head-on, “Slow” taps into avoiding the frantic world and substituting chaos for peace of mind. It was one of my favorites to read before 2021 and is conveniently housed in Audible’s library.
What it’s about: A lengthy-but-worth-it read all about President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. A young man has the opportunity to go back in time and potentially change the course of history. Would late President JFK have been assassinated?
Also an incredible Hulu mini-series, “11.22.63” is one of my favorite reads of the year and just as good as the show. It’s a unique follow-through of American history with added suspense, romance and a lot of what-ifs.
What it’s about: Lucy and Gabe met at Columbia University and continue to meet at what seems to be a perfect time. When faced with a difficult decision, Lucy begins to wonder if their relationship is one of pure fate.
As one of my favorite contemporary romance books I’ve read, “The Light We Lost” truly makes you think about the relationships in your life with a fine-tooth comb. It’s lovely, ice cream-sob worthy and purely recommended.
What it’s about: Ava Breevort, who has her first-class seat stolen by an arrogant Scotsman, Caleb Scott. Somehow, Caleb reappears in her orbit and knocks on her doorstep in Boston.
I adored this contemporary romance filled with chance encounters, It’s a great enemies-to-lovers read to download on Audible that’s infused with wanderlust and some steamy moments.
What it’s about: Big-city baker Olivia Rawlings discovers the true meaning of home when she takes a vacation from her exclusive Boston dinner club to snowy Vermont — where she’s offered a job at the Sugar Maple Inn.
Deliciously captivating and sweet, this book is simply the perfect cozy read to add to your TBR list if you adore all things fiction.
What it’s about: A novel about how all the choices you make impact the next, where there’s an infinite number of books, with one always telling the story of your life as is, and another detailing what could have been with a different decision.
Critically acclaimed and a top Audible pick, “The Midnight Library” has the ideal winter-esque setting of a cozy library entwined with a made-you-think narrative.
What it’s about: Whimsical Eleanor Oliphant struggles with of-age social skills and is outwardly blunt and simple. Until, she meets the IT guy at her job, Raymond, who pieces her heart back together again.
Holy five stars. This book is one of the best books I’ve read ever, and I hold it on a pedestal purely out of appreciation for the incredible character Eleanor is — and the plot twist at the end you wouldn’t expect.
What it’s about: Ella Rubenstein is unhappily married and e-meets a passionate 13th-century poet who teaches her all about lessons in love. Two narratives merge to expound upon how love conquers all.
Deeply moving, Elif Shafak (who also authored “The Island of Missing Trees“) continues to captivate readers in a two-narrative story that I enjoyed reading in my book club. It has everything, too: fiction, history and life lessons.
What it’s about: A sexy rom-com about recruitment consultant Layla Patel and how her father created an online dating profile to set up a series of blind dates for “approvable mates.” But when Sam Mehta leases office space in the family restaurant, Layla asks him to join her on these in-person meets — with Layla and Sam’s spark budding on its own.
As a unique take on traditional Indian-culture-arranged marriages, “The Marriage Game” was a cute story that speaks to any reader in any life stage. It’s a tale of growth, going after what you want and finding love.
What it’s about: Joy Candellaro always enjoyed Christmas, but this year she’s divorced and boards a plane to the Pacific Northwest to begin a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
As the author of “The Four Winds,” Kristin Hannah wrote a wintery novel about fresh beginnings, coming to peace with the season of life you’re in and cultivating new perspectives.
What it’s about: A detail on everything you need to know, psychologist Jordan B. Peterson answers difficult life questions with ancient traditions and cutting-edge research.
As one of Audible’s top hits, “12 Rules for Life” is for the curious-minded this winter to challenge your thoughts and stimulate open discussions.
What it’s about: A life-altering guide to practically save, invest and grow your income from the ground up.
Author of the OG “You Are a Badass,” Jen Sincero outlined her top money tips if you’re planning your new year’s budget during the end of this year.
What it’s about: A sparkling rom-com about a radio host who starts a real and raw podcast about life with her biggest competition at a flailing station.
Meet another of my favorite reads. “The Ex-Talk” is perfect for the podcast listener, the rom-com lover and the unique storyline — aka me. Truly, I didn’t want it to end.
What it’s about: Filled with inspiration on creating something new, “Big Magic” shows us how to tackle that passion project we’ve all been dreaming about.
Perfect to ring in the new year, this book highlights everything you need to know about creativity, listening to the voice inside your head (and not others) and living a fruitful life. It’s one of my favorites on my bookshelf, too.
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