Why Winter Is the Perfect Time to Read
Winter is cozy season, with slow mornings, long nights, and quiet moments. Making it the perfect time to curl up with a good book. Whether you’re at your temporary home relaxing, enjoying a drink by the fire, or taking a break during a busy shift, a winter reading bucket list of great books can help you make the most of the season.
This list includes a great mixture of cozy classics, atmospheric fiction, new releases, and mood-based picks (think introspective nights, dreamy escapes, or holiday vibes). Our goal for this bucket list is variety, so you have options that are relaxing, reflective, or a chance to escape whenever the mood strikes.
❄️ Winter Reading Bucket List
Comfort and Cozy Classics (Comfort Reads)
- The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller: This novel is set during a historically cold winter in the UK. Its wintry setting and expressive writing make it ideal for the winter season.
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: How can a reading bucket list not include this nostalgic, heartwarming classic? Great if you want something timeless and comforting on a cold night.
- The Book of Love by Kelly Link: For when you want something a little magical, a little uncanny, good for dark winter nights or after the holidays.
Recent & New Releases (2024–2025)
- Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros: This fantasy-romance was published in 2025. It is vivid, dramatic, and immersive. It is a great escape if you want to dive into another world.
- Audition by Katie Kitamura: This literary fiction was released in 2025 and is often described as psychologically rich and haunting, making it ideal for reflective winter evenings.
- Friends and Liars by Kit Frick: This thriller dropped in December 2025. It is perfect if you like suspenseful reads that keep you turning pages.
- Queen at War by Alison Weir: This book is full of historical fiction. It was also released in December 2025 and is immersive and full of royal intrigue, making it great for readers who love layered stories.
New & Upcoming Reads for Healthcare Travelers 🩺
- The Moonlight Healers by Elizabeth Becker: A magical realism novel about a woman who discovers inherited healing powers, intertwined with a historical narrative of caregiving and nursing during wartime. Its themes of healing, sacrifice, and the emotional weight of care may resonate deeply for those working in healthcare.
- The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits: A 2025 novel about a man reevaluating life and relationships after a major life shift, set around a cross‑country road trip. Its introspective, character‑driven storytelling makes it a strong pick for downtime or reflective moments during travel.
- The Mating Game by Lana Ferguson (releasing December 2025): A lighter, steamy romance novel — perfect for those quieter nights when you want something fun, escapist, and easy to read on the road or between assignments.
Mood-Based / Theme Driven Picks (for winter vibes)
- For an escape to fantasy and magic: Onyx Storm or The Book of Love
- For quiet, reflective reading: Audition, the Land in Winter, or the Rest of Our Lives
- For thrilling, page-turning stories: Friends and Liars or The Mating Game
- For warmth, nostalgia, comfort: Little Women
Quick & Easy “On-the-Go” Reads (for weekends, breaks, or short bursts)
- The shorter novels from the list above (e.g., Audition or The Mating Game) make good “weekend reads.”
- For busier days or travel: alternate between heavier novels and lighter or more digestible ones (e.g., cozy classics or shorter, atmospheric reads).
💡 How to Build Your Own Winter Reading Bucket List
- Mix up the vibe — alternate between comfort reads, big-immersive stories, and lighter, mood‑based picks so reading never feels stale.
- Match it to your mood — some nights you might want introspection; others you may crave escape or suspense.
- Think practically — consider audiobook or e‑book versions for travel days or busy moments (especially helpful if you have a hectic schedule).
Don’t pressure yourself — pick what feels right; it’s okay to switch mid‑list, skip a book, or save it for later depending on how you feel.
🧤 Final Thoughts: Why Winter Reading Is Worth It
Winter — with its quiet, deeper nights and slower pace — offers a unique window for reading: to reflect, escape, get lost in stories, or just unwind. Whether it’s a cozy classic, a dark fantasy, a thrilling mystery, or a fun romance, your winter reading bucket list can be a way to create warmth, solace, or adventure when you need it most.
Use this list as a starting point; feel free to swap in your favorites, explore new voices, or build a stack that fits your preference. Happy reading 🌙
Ready to cozy up with your next favorite book? Check out our latest travel nurse and healthcare traveler resources or explore our job board to find your next assignment with time to enjoy some winter reading along the way!
