Back when I wasn’t freezing under my bed covers just yet (read: back when it wasn’t already feeling like winter here in the Northern Hemisphere, a couple months ago), I shared some fall aesthetics and their YA books on the blog.
I kind of wanted to try and do the same for each upcoming season, both because I had lots of fun writing that first post, and because it feels like a fun way to recommend books, too. Also, I feel like you enjoyed the idea the first time, so.. here’s to hoping you’ll still enjoy it this second time!
Alright, so the idea is pretty simple: check out the aesthetics below and choose your favorite one to get your book recommendation! I have a mix of soft, fun contemporaries, exciting, unique fantasy, settings in the city and in remote, snowy cabins as well. Hope you’ll find what you’re looking for and, as always, thank you for reading 🥺
1. The cosy winter aesthetic
Like this aesthetic? You should read this book!
2. The soft sports winter aesthetic
Like this aesthetic? You should read this book!
3. The bookish winter aesthetic
Like this aesthetic? You should read this book!
4. The fairytale winter aesthetic
Like this aesthetic? You should read this book!
5. The city-escape winter aesthetic
Like this aesthetic? You should read this book!
1. My cosy winter book recommendation
One Way or Another, Kara McDowell
Paige Collins has two possibilities for her Christmas vacation: go with her best friend (and crush) to a romantic, remote mountain cabin or to New York City (the city of her dreams) with her mother. As she’s paralyzed by indecision, fate steps in, making her live these two timelines…
Aside from the excellent anxiety representation, this book is such a perfect winter read. I loved the settings, the atmosphere of this time of the year, the friends to lovers, the main character’s growth. Perfect if you’re looking for a soft read this time of the year.
Find on Goodreads ☂️ Buy on: Amazon – Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
2. My soft sports winter recommendation
Cold Day in the Sun, Sara Biren
Holland wants to be known as a great hockey player, not just as the only girl in an all-boys school team. Yet, when her team’s picked to be featured on a televised show, she suddenly becomes the focus of the story… because she’s a girl.
I loved the inspiring, badass main character and her passion, loved the unexpected, blooming romance, the family ties, the hockey parts. This is such a great read for all fans of sports romances.
Find on Goodreads ☂️ Buy on: Amazon – Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
3. My bookish winter recommendation
Recommended for You, Laura Silverman
Shoshanna loves working at her local bookstore and is eager to try and get the holiday bonus, to fix her car, if not her life. The new hire, Jake (who doesn’t even READ!), somehow suddenly starts selling more and more books…
This is one of my favorites okay. Book lovers will adore the bookish setting, romance lovers will love the competition between the main characters and slow-burning relationship growing between them. It has baking and wintery setting and is just, wonderful.
Find on Goodreads ☂️ Buy on: Amazon – Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
4. My fairytale winter recommendation
Girls Made of Snow and Glass, Melissa Bashardoust
This is a queer, feminist, incredible Snow White retelling I’ll always recommend. It’s about Mina, sixteen years old and motherless, planning to win the King’s heart with her beauty and become queen. It’s also about Lynet, the King’s daughter… who could be queen, as well.
This is a captivating tale with strong, messy characters you’ll root for, about finding yourself and your own worth, it makes you feel like you’re stepping into a strange, snowy fairytale and I really enjoyed it!
Find on Goodreads ☂️ Buy on: Amazon – Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
5. My city-escape winter recommendation
Together at Midnight, Jennifer Castle
Together at Midnight is about Kendall and Max, challenging each other to random acts of kindness all around New York City during the holiday season.
If you’re looking for an adorable book to read, this is it. I loved running around New York city during that time of the year with these characters, had so much fun seeing the blooming romance between them and, just, yeah. If you’re looking for a soft, light read this season, this is it!
Add to Goodreads ☂️ Buy on: Amazon – Book Depository – Bookshop – Blackwell’s
For more YA book recommendations, check out these blog posts:
- Pick a Fall Aesthetic & Get a YA Book Recommendation!
- 10 YA Books to Read Based on Your Favorite Aesthetics
- 10 YA Books To Read To Get Into The Christmas And the Winter Holidays Spirit
📌 Pin Pick a Winter Aesthetic, get a YA book recommendation on Pinterest!
What kind of books do you enjoy reading during the winter season?
Do you enjoy this kind of blog post? I’d LOVE to hear all of your thoughts in comments!!
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Oh, I love love love this post! Love the aesthetics and the books that went with each of them! Thank you for this fun post~
Ahh thank you so, so much, so happy you enjoyed it!! <3
This was amazing idea of recommendation. I love lol those aesthetics 😍
Ahh thank you!😍
This is so fun!!
Ahh thank you, so happy you liked it!! <3
This is SO fun! I could not decide between #4 and 5, and sure enough when I went down, turns out I loved both of those books you picked! This is such a great idea!
Ah yay, this means I did it right ahah 😍 thank you so much, Shannon!
I loved your seasonal aesthetic based book recommendations!! ❤️ As winter is my favorite season, I love all the aesthetics … except maybe the sports one, as it has been a while since I’ve been ice skating 😂 Recommended For You is such a cute book, I loved the holiday vibes and that it centers a book store 🥰
Oh thank you, Caro, so happy you liked it!! <3 I loved Recommended For You SO much as well! :)
I love your aesthetic posts so much! <3
During winter I usually read a lot of high fantasy, though this year it's mostly been romance and I feel like I won't read much else 😀
Ahh thank you so, so much, Kat! I get it, sometimes we just need these little soft romances ahah 😀
What a fun post idea and great recommendations!
Thank you so much, so so happy you enjoyed it!! <3