Welcome back! How is winter treating you? Aside from the challenge of driving in snow, I actually enjoy this season—the cozy atmosphere is a big plus.

In January I focused on reading winter-themed and winter-adjacent books. It’s not always easy to find winter novels that aren’t wrapped around Christmas, but I did manage to read several that fit the mood.

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While not all the books were strictly about winter, I finished seven books last month—the most I’ve read in a single month so far.

The reason was simple: most of them were really good. Below are short summaries and my thoughts on each.

My Fiction Reads:

Blogger Girl by Meredith Schorr

Plot: Kim works as a legal secretary by day and runs a book blog by night. Her day job feels uninspiring, although she enjoys seeing a handsome colleague. When she is asked to review a book by a former high school rival, she must decide whether to be gracious—or honest. Romance and rivalry complicate things.

My review: I enjoyed that the protagonist is a blogger, which felt relatable. The plot leans toward chick-lit and is on the simpler side, but the main character grew on me as the story progressed. If you enjoy light romantic comedies or blogging-centered stories, this is an easy, charming read. Note: it’s part of a series with additional titles.

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Plot: Set in 1920s Alaska, Jack and Mabel struggle through brutal winters and the ache of a lost child. On a whim they build a child from snow, and the next morning they glimpse a mysterious blond girl in the woods. They grow attached to her—but questions remain about her origin and whether love will bring more heartache.

My review: This novel, inspired by a Russian fairy tale, has a haunting, magical quality and an evocative picture of homesteading life. It’s beautiful but also heavy in places; themes of loss and sorrow are prominent. I recommend it for readers who appreciate lyrical, atmospheric stories rather than light escapism.

The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld

Plot: In the snowy mountains of Oregon, Naomi—known as a “child finder”—searches for Madison Culver, missing for three years and presumed to be about eight if still alive. Naomi has her own history as a missing child, though she cannot remember what happened to her.

My review: Dark and compelling, this novel deals with difficult subject matter, including implied child abuse. The writing is strong and the mystery pulled me through quickly. It’s intense and not for everyone, but highly effective if you can handle heavier themes.

The Broken Girls by Simone St. James

Plot: Idlewild Hall, a 1950s Vermont boarding school for troubled girls, harbors whispers about a ghost named Mary Hand. Four girls form a bond until one disappears. Decades later, a journalist named Fiona revisits the school and the circumstances around her sister’s death, uncovering long-buried secrets.

My review: Absolutely gripping. Told through dual timelines, the characters felt vivid and the pacing kept me hooked. The book includes a subtle supernatural element that enhances the mood rather than distracts. This was one of my favorites—atmospheric, suspenseful, and emotionally resonant.

Verity by Colleen Hoover

Plot: Lowen, a struggling writer, takes on the job of finishing a bestselling author’s series after the author, Verity, is injured. Staying at the author’s home to study notes, Lowen uncovers an unfinished autobiography that reveals chilling secrets. The discovery forces difficult moral choices and raises questions about safety and truth.

My review: This is a tense psychological thriller with unpredictable twists and unforgettable characters. The dual perspectives intensify the suspense. If you enjoy thrillers that keep you guessing and provoke strong reactions, Verity is a standout.

My Non-Fiction Reads:

How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind by Dana White

Premise: Dana White, who blogs about real-life decluttering, argues that many organizing books are written by naturally tidy people and therefore feel out of reach. Her approach is pragmatic and geared toward people who struggle with clutter, offering step-by-step guidance and realistic expectations.

My review: I read this partly because the cover made me laugh and because the tone felt approachable. Dana writes with humor and empathy for messy people. Even if you consider yourself reasonably tidy now, this book offers practical, down-to-earth methods that could appeal to those looking for manageable change.

Related posts:

Declutter Your Home Checklists: 135 Things to Get Rid of to Organize Your House Fast
13 Decluttering Questions to Ask Yourself Instead of ‘Does This Spark Joy’

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

Premise: Rachel Hollis addresses 20 common misconceptions that hold people back, with a message to stop believing limiting lies and move toward the life you want. The book mixes personal stories with motivational advice.

My review: Rachel’s voice is relatable, candid, and often funny. She shares many personal anecdotes—some inspiring, some heartbreaking. My main critique is that the book focuses heavily on her personal narrative rather than universal, actionable strategies. Still, it’s encouraging and an easy, quick read for anyone seeking motivational insight.

Wrapping it up

January was a fantastic month for reading. Several of these books stood out, and I particularly loved The Child Finder, The Broken Girls, and Verity—those three are nearly tied as my favorites.

Have you read any of these titles, or discovered other great books lately? I’d love to hear recommendations.