It’s that time of year to grab a cup of tea, mug of hot chocolate, glass of pinot noir, or whatever beverage you fancy and snuggle up with a comforting read. Whether you’re looking for nonfiction, a cozy murder mystery, or your next go-to winter recipe, we have you covered like a cashmere blanket on a cold winter day.
Sara Gelston Somers, owner, Golden Hour Books
“The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore” by Evan Friss
“For me, this is the ideal comfort read—a warm and thoroughly researched history on the origins and future of the American bookstore. It puts me in a mood of appreciation, and I’m left a bit in awe of this tradition we’re a part of.”
“Moosewood Cookbook” 40th anniversary edition by Mollie Katzen
“Growing up in New England, nearly every house I knew had this cookbook. The simple recipes, the hand-drawn illustrations, the decidedly ’70s vibe—this is the type of cookbook I want with me every winter.”
“Nora Ephron at the Movies” by Ilana Kaplan
“I’m not a rom-com reader, but I’m most definitely a rom-com watcher. This look at Ephron’s films reminds us why the ’90s were so perfect, and how Ephron was a master of capturing the zeitgeist.”
Staff of Tomorrow Bookstore
“Lavender House” by Lev Ac Rosen
“This book basically reads like a queer ‘Clue.’ The main character finds himself kicked out of the police force and asked to move into a mansion that is a haven for the queer community to help solve a murder that happened within those walls. The characters are fun, quirky, and they’ll pull at your heartstrings.”
– Ratina, events manager
“The Cloisters” by Katy Hays
“The head researcher at the Met Cloisters uncovers a possible early tarot deck, but is murdered. MC Ann, caught in a game of power and seduction, must unravel the mystery surrounding the death and the potential power of the tarot. A thrilling dark academia read perfect for a winter night.”
— Bee, bookseller
“A Couple Cooks” by Indy-based food bloggers Sonja and Alex Overhiser (@acouplecooks)
“This cookbook is filled with 100 recipes to tackle together! It spans meal prep to date nights to hosting friends, but all with a focus on using cooking to create quality time together.”
Natalie Pipkin, founder/CEO, Black Worldschoolers Mobile Bookstore
“Reel” by Kennedy Ryan
“For a cozy winter read, ‘Reel’ by Kennedy Ryan is a must-add. Re-released on November 12 with an additional 7,000 words and a gorgeous cover, this Hollywood romance brings all the glamour and heart you’ll adore, with a love story that feels timeless and oh-so-REEL.”
“Consider This: Reflections for Finding Peace” by Nedra Glover Tawwab
“This thoughtful book offers gentle insights on nurturing inner peace, setting healthy boundaries, and embracing joy. It’s the perfect read to help you navigate the holiday season while staying true to yourself.”
“Juke Joints, Jazz Clubs, and Juice: Cocktails from Two Centuries of African American Cookbooks” by Toni Tipton-Martin
“Impress your guests and celebrate the legacy of Black mixology. This book provides the perfect blend of cocktail recipes and rich stories that honor African American contributions to cocktail culture.”
Jamie Degler, owner, Turn the Page Books and Gifts
“The Book Club Hotel” by Sarah Morgan
“The Maple Sugar Inn is a cozy, winter destination. Four longtime friends meet at the Inn for a book club holiday. After losing touch over the years, each one has a story, but can they regain the close friendship they once had?”
“One Day in December” by Josie Silver
“This holiday romance is the story about Laurie not believing in love at first sight. Until one day she is getting on a bus and makes eye contact with a man she immediately thinks is the one. As the bus pulls away, will their paths cross again?”
“Rock, Paper, Scissors” by Alice Feeney
“This mystery thriller will keep the pages turning. A couple who has been struggling wins a weekend getaway in Scotland in a cozy, winter cottage. They didn’t just randomly win this trip. So will the weekend full of twists and turns make or break their marriage?”
Kelsey Jones, founder, Silent Book Club Indy
“Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir” by Ina Garten
“The woman who brought you the giant pandemic Cosmo reveals intimate details about her and Jeffrey’s marriage and the risks she took to become the Barefoot Contessa. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and feel inspired. How great is that?”
“Have You Eaten?” by Verna Gao
“Chilly weather always has me craving a big bowl of noodles–whether Asian or Italian. This cookbook is perfect for those wanting to expand their knowledge about Asian cooking at home. The book includes more than 70 unfussy Chinese and East Asian recipes ideal for 2-4 people.”
“Thursday Murder Club” series by Richard Osman
“Set in rural England at a retirement community, this series follows four unlikely friends (and senior citizens) who solve crimes in and around the sleepy village. This series will have you turning pages and chuckling well into the wee hours of the morning. It’s the epitome of a cozy murder mystery.”
This article was written for Indy Maven by Kelsey Jones, founder of Silent Book Club Indy.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
