Here are some stories that are great to read over the winter. I like my books full of drama and angst, so the following stories have great characters (who tend to suffer a lot!), complex plots, likeable romances and either a festive or a snow-filled setting.
“Humbug” by Joanna Chambers – wonderful novella based on “A Christmas Carol” about a workaholic man who discovers love over Christmas but has to overcome his own flaws before he can embrace it. No ghosts but a real Scrooge of a main character!
“Swordspoint” by Ellen Kushner – beautifully written novel which combines a gay romance with political intrigue, duelling and a regency-style fantasy setting. When George R. R. Martin says “an unforgettable opening… and just gets better from there” it has to be good. It is set during a snowy winter, with the weather brought to life in memorable descriptions.
“Frost Fair” by Erastes – enjoyable novella with likeable characters and a romance between a broke printer and a wealthy aristocrat. It’s set in 1814, with convincing historical details and atmospheric scenes of the Thames freezing over and the fair that took place on it.
“A Christmas Hex: Winter Wonderland Collection” by Jordan L. Hawk – this is a short winter novella but it fits in lovable characters – a witch and a wolf familiar – and a clever plot. It’s part of the Hexworld universe but can be read as a standalone.
“Snowmancer” by Olivia Helling – I got a copy of this novel for free – it was still available on Amazon for free when I just checked – and didn’t have any particular expectations of it, then ended up loving it. It’s a fantasy set in an icy kingdom with compelling characters, a lot of angst and plot-twists, and a poignant romance. Also a magician who can make creatures out of ice.
“Merry Chr
istmas, Mr Miggles” by Eli Easton – this novel has everything: wonderful characters, humour, mystery, drama and a Christmas romance. Toby works in a library and has a bit of a crush on the head librarian, Mr Miggles, so when Mr Miggles is arrested on a trumped-up charge, Toby is determined to help him.
‘Locking up, Gideon made his way through the narrow frost-lined streets, wincing as the bitter ice-chilled wind cut through the layers of clothing right through to his bones. He couldn’t remember when it had been as cold as this; icicles hung from every roof and the frost hung around in the streets long after daylight broke’ – “Frost Fair” by Erastes
‘The frost lay heavy on the swell of the earth; man and wolf left footprints like dark pearls in silver as they ran across it side by side’ – “A Companion to Wolves” by Sarah Monette and Elizabeth Bear
‘Seregil woke first. It had snowed heavily the night before. Luckily, Alec had spotted an abandoned burrow just before sunset and they’d spent the night inside. The hole still stank of its former inhabitants, but it was large enough for the two of them to stretch out in. With the pack and Seregil’s saddle jammed in the opening as a windbreak, they’d managed to keep warm for the first time since they’d come down onto the Downs. Cramped but warm, Seregil was tempted to let Alec’s soft, even breathing lull him back to sleep’ – “Luck in the Shadows” by Lynn Flewelling