“Oh, the weather outside is frightful.” These words are pulled right out of the familiar Christmas carol, “Let It Snow”. While North Carolina doesn’t see much snow during the month of December, temperatures drop low and cold weather sweeps into our neck of the woods. For many people, one of the best ways to celebrate the winter weather is by cozying up with a good book. Throw in the holiday season, a fire in the fireplace, and a cup of hot cocoa and you have the perfect day. However, it is always important to have a book you enjoy to occupy you. Here are a few winter themed novels to choose from.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
A timeless classic that many generations enjoy regardless of the time of the year. However, this novel’s connection to winter is that its setting is Narnia, a land of eternal winter. After stepping into a wardrobe, siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie are thrown into the world of Narnia and the power of the White Witch. While trying to survive in the arctic conditions, the Pevensie family meets Aslan, the Great Lion, who provides them with hope and bravery that they can fight to release Narnia from the White Witch’s power. However, Aslan warns that this will only happen with a great sacrifice. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobeis the first book in The Chronicles of Narnia series. It is a perfect read by itself or can be followed up by the other novels in the series during winter time.
Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
A double life? Caribbean island and a Victorian house? It is all in author Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter in Paradise. Shortly after the new year, Irene Steele is brought to her feet by a shocking phone call, one that states her husband had been killed in a helicopter crash. Irene’s world suddenly stops and before she knows it she is tasked with finding out the details of her husband’s death on the island of St. John. There, Irene and her sons discover that her husband and their father is actually living a secret life. Set in the background of the beautiful island and filled with mystery, romance, and drama, Winter in Paradise takes readers on a journey as Irene tries to put the pieces together about what happened and where to go next, all while, facing the truth about her family and their futures.
Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva
Taken from the tale of A Christmas Carol and Charles Dickens’ experience writing the beloved novel, Mr. Dickens and His Carol focuses on Mr. Dickens’ life around the book’s publishing in 1843. During this time, Charles Dickens is experiencing many ups and downs. His latest book was a flop, he is stretched for money, and well, just not filled with the holiday spirit. Through his wife’s extravagant holiday party and the possibility of being blackmailed into writing a Christmas book by his publishers, Charles set out to write one of the most meaningful books of all times, even while handling severe writer’s block. Of course, Samantha Silva takes liberties with the history of how Charles Dickens writes his book and the journey he goes through to put a different spin on the well-known tale. In a statement, Silva herself mentioned that this book is a “fan love letter” to Mr. Dickens. No matter what, Mr. Dickens and His Carol is a fun and enjoyable read for the winter season.
Grab your favorite beverage, sit in your favorite spot, and enjoy one of these winter themed novels this holiday season. You won’t be sorry and may just add a little more merriment to this special time of the year.
