Hi friends!
After the holidays, I (like a lot of people) can get a little bummed out and sick of winter. In the past, it has been really bad but I have been working on loving the season for what it is: a time to slow down and recharge. A part of that means finding hobbies and things to do that make me happy and feel warm and cozy. That for me is reading.
And I can’t get into books that have a depressing vibe around this time or else I’ll soak that feeling up like a sponge, so I tend to reach for lighthearted reads – rom coms, foodie lit, hyyge-inspired… just to name a few genres. If you are like me and need feel-good books, then I got you. Here are 20 books that are guaranteed to make you feel warm, cozy, and bright (fiction and non-fiction!)
Fiction:
#1: Well Met by Jen DeLuca
This one really surprised me with how much I loved it. An enemies to lovers vibe that takes place at a Renaissance Faire. Just trust me on this… it is swoonworthy, made me laugh multiple times, and had me smiling to myself while I read.
#2: One Day in December by Josie Silver
I’ve said it a few times now, but this is my favorite book that I read in 2020. The story just captured my heart. Girl sees boy while boarding a bus from afar and feels a connection only to meet him face-to-face very shortly after… in a not-so-ideal way. This is a wicked slow burn and so excruciatingly wonderful. My heart hurts thinking about it. I don’t mean to be dramatic… but… ahhhh!!
#3: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
If you are not ready to let go of the holidays just yet, this is the one to read. Girl continues to repeat the same Christmas vacation over and over. It’s really fun and keeps you guessing.
#4: The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert
Ah, this one is just as delicious as it sounds. Such a cozy romance that makes you a little anxious but with the best payoff. Foodie lit is one of my favorite genres! It just makes you want to get in the kitchen and bake.
#5: The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller
This is such a comforting read. Small town charm, like-able characters, sweet love story. I found it through a recommendation for books that feel like Gilmore Girls and it is spot on.
#6: Beach Read by Emily Henry
This one caught my eye because it is about a romance writer and literary writer who are helping each other overcome writers block. Cue the swoon. I loved these characters so much.
#7: The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
This book has such an interesting concept: woman rents the same home/bed from a man who works all night and sleeps all day while she works all day and sleeps all night. They write notes to one another on post-its only… never having met. It’s really charming!
#8: The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
This is honestly a blast. I love anything Christina Lauren, but this one in particular was really funny. Maid of honor and best man who don’t like each other take the bride & groom’s honeymoon after the married couple get food poisoning. Hilarity ensues.
#9: Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
This love triangle can be a little anxiety-inducing, but it is a page-turner and had a lot of sweet moments. I really love the author’s writing style, too. A great romance to curl up with.
#10: The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay
This one gives me all the warm and fuzzies. A beautiful story about friendships, loss, love, and the coziest and most quaint little bookshop. I loveeeed the setting!
#11: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
If you haven’t watched the movie or heard about this, just read it. Ok ok, it is YA so maybe it isn’t your thing but YA novels are my weakness. This is such a swoon-worthy story of a girl and boy who start a fake relationship only to fall in love, for real. I mean… what more could you want? It’s a definite feel-good and fast read!
Non-Fiction
#1: There’s No Such Things as Bad Weather by Linda Akeson McGurk
If you read one book off this list, this is the one. Not only will it make you appreciate the cold winter weather going on right now, but it really opens your eyes to the importance for kids (and yourself) to get outside as much as possible, no matter the weather. I really enjoyed this.
#2: The Magic of Motherhood by Ashlee Gadd
If you are a mom, this is a really beautiful read. Beautiful essays from real mamas that will have you laughing and crying. This book helped get me through some postpartum blues.
#3: An Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Grace and Economy by Tamar Adler
Uncomplicated, back to basics, money-saving cooking. I just love this read so much. It isn’t catered to plant-based foods or anything so whatever your diet, this is just a great read and I took a lot from it.
#4: Simple Matters: Living with Less and Ending Up with More by Erin Boyle
I found the advice in this book about living with less very practical.
#5: The Nesting Place: It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful by Myquillyn Smith
We’re in a season of life where everything can feel like chaos between toddlers and just the state of the world. This book was a nice reassurance to just relax and know that this isn’t forever. Embrace the beautiful mess at home.
#6: The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Living Well by Louisa Thomsen Brits
I love hygge books and have read quite a few, but this one stuck out more than others. If you are torn on which to read, I recommend this one!
#7: How to Raise a Reader by Pamela Paul
As you know, I am a reader and of course, I hope that both my girls will follow suit. I loved this book so much – it is a great guide and resource if you want the next generation to be readers!
#8: Love the Home You Have by Melissa Michaels
We’ve been home all last year and honestly, reading a book like this was refreshing. It gave me a whole new appreciation for our home.
#9: Slow: Simple Living for a Frantic World by Brooke McAlary
If slow living appeals to you, this was a immersive and quick read. I am always working on slowing down (I am always trying to be 2 steps ahead and thinking about the future more than the present). If you can relate, I think you’ll like this one.
