How to Build the Ultimate TBR Pile for Winter

Winter is the perfect time to cozy up, grab a blanket, and dive into a stack of books that will carry you through the chilly months ahead. Building the ultimate TBR (To Be Read) pile for winter is all about creating a reading list that feels like a warm, inviting retreat from the cold. 

We never need an excuse to snuggle up with a book, but there is something about wintry afternoons, lying on the sofa in front of the fire with a great book and a steaming mug of hot chocolate — nothing says perfection quite like it.

Whether you’re looking for heartwarming romances, thrilling mysteries, or epic adventures, let’s start crafting the perfect TBR pile that will keep you turning pages all season long! It’s all about finding seasonal favorites that complement the mood while balancing new releases with long-awaited reads from your shelf. The key is to curate a list that keeps you excited to turn each page.

Define Your Winter Reading Goals

Start by thinking about what you want from your reading this winter. Are you hoping to explore new genres, finally finish some classics, or focus on feel-good reads? Setting a goal (e.g., reading six books, diversifying your genres, or reading one book per week) gives structure to your TBR list and helps you stay motivated.

Set a Theme or Mood

Deciding on a theme can help narrow down your choices. For winter, you might want books with cozy, atmospheric, or seasonal vibes, like mysteries, romances, or fantasy novels with wintry settings. If you’d like a broader theme, think about a mix of “comfort reads,” “bucket list” books, or “new releases” that pique your interest. Tailoring your TBR around a mood or theme can make the list feel more cohesive and enjoyable.

Balance New Books and Old Favorites

Including a blend of new releases and books you’ve wanted to read for ages can make your list feel exciting yet achievable. Aim to balance highly anticipated reads with some comfort books or genres you know you love. If you’re looking for some ideas, you will definitely want to check out our blog on November Releases!

Mix Up Your Genres

If you enjoy different genres, create a well-rounded TBR that covers various moods and styles. A balanced list might include a mystery, a historical fiction novel, a light romance, a nonfiction title, and a fantasy book. This variety allows you to switch genres when you’re ready for something new, keeping reading fatigue at bay.

Consider Length and Format

To avoid feeling overwhelmed, mix shorter books or novellas with longer novels. You can also incorporate audiobooks and ebooks if you enjoy switching up formats. Audiobooks are great for multitasking or unwinding, while a chunky novel is perfect for cozy weekend afternoons.

Prioritize Your Top Picks

With so many books to choose from, it helps to prioritize the ones you’re most excited about. Start by selecting 5-10 books you absolutely want to read this winter and place them at the top of your list. Keep some flexibility for spontaneous additions, but having a shortlist of priorities can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by options.

Track Your Progress and Reflect

As you read, jot down your thoughts on each book. Tracking helps you see what you’ve accomplished and might inspire you to keep going. Plus, reflecting on your reading journey allows you to fine-tune your TBR planning for the future, especially if certain genres or themes make your reading experience more enjoyable.

OUABC Recommendations for the Ultimate TBR List!

We couldn’t help but share our wintry recommendations! 

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries is a whimsical fantasy brimming with fae lore, academic rivalry, and unexpected romance. Emily Wilde, a Cambridge professor and faerie expert, prefers her dog and research over human company. 

But her quiet study in the remote village of Hrafnsvik is interrupted by the arrival of her charming rival, Wendell Bambleby, who easily wins over the locals and complicates her life. As Emily uncovers secrets about the elusive Hidden Ones, she also begins to question Wendell’s true motives. This cozy, enchanting tale is perfect for fans of magical adventures, faerie lore, and a dash of rivals-to-lovers charm.

An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena

An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena is a chilling locked-room mystery perfect for fans of classic whodunits with a modern twist. Set in the remote, snowbound Mitchell’s Inn, a cozy winter retreat turns deadly when a blizzard cuts off all communication—and bodies start piling up. 

What begins as a relaxing weekend descends into terror as guests realize a killer may be among them. With no escape, tensions rise, and trust vanishes. This atmospheric thriller keeps readers guessing to the last page, blending suspense, isolation, and mystery in an unforgettable read.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah is a powerful tale of survival and resilience, set in the rugged beauty of 1970s Alaska. Vietnam veteran Ernt Allbright moves his family to the remote wilderness, hoping it will bring healing. 

For his wife, Cora, and their daughter, Leni, Alaska’s wild beauty promises a fresh start, but as winter closes in, Ernt’s struggles intensify, threatening their fragile peace. Isolated and tested by the brutal Alaskan winter, Leni and Cora fight for survival against both nature and the darkness within their family. This deeply emotional novel explores love, courage, and the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter.

A Merry Little Meet Cute by Sierra Simone and Julie Murphy

A Merry Little Meet Cute by Sierra Simone and Julie Murphy is a fun and flirty holiday romance with a bold twist. Bee Hobbes, a plus-size adult film star, lands a surprising role in a wholesome Christmas movie for the Hope Channel—on the condition that she keeps her online persona under wraps. 

Things heat up when her childhood crush, former pop star Nolan Shaw, is cast as her co-star. Determined to stay professional, they can’t resist their chemistry, leading to a secret romance in the festive town of Christmas Notch. Brimming with humor, body positivity, and holiday charm, this feel-good rom-com is perfect for fans of festive love stories with heart and humor.

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik is a captivating fantasy that blends magic, resilience, and rich folklore into an unforgettable tale. Miryem, the daughter of a struggling moneylender, takes charge of her family’s fortune by collecting debts with newfound skill—earning a reputation for "turning silver into gold." 

Her abilities, however, draw the attention of the fearsome Staryk king, forcing her into a dangerous battle of wits. Alongside two strong women—a peasant girl with hidden magic and a noblewoman trapped in a loveless marriage—Miryem faces challenges that could transform their lives and worlds. This spellbinding story of courage and self-discovery celebrates the strength of women daring to shape their own fates.

Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison

Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison is a heartwarming holiday romance that fans of the "friends to lovers" trope will adore. Stella Bloom’s cherished Christmas tree farm is in trouble—dead trees, mischievous raccoons, and missing shipments are just the beginning. To save it, she enters a contest with influencer Evelyn St. James, but there's a catch: she claimed to own the farm with her "boyfriend" to make it seem like a cozy holiday escape. Problem is, she has no boyfriend.

Enter Luka Peters, her best friend, who’s game to play along. But as they pretend for the cameras, their fake romance starts to feel real. Full of humor, charm, and holiday cheer, Lovelight Farms is a feel-good story of friendship, love, and finding joy in unexpected places.

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren is a delightful holiday rom-com filled with laughter, magic, and the wonder of second chances. Ideal for fans of friends-to-lovers romance and anyone seeking a warm holiday escape, this charming story brings humor, heart, and a twist of time travel into the season.

Maelyn Jones’s holiday is not going as planned. Feeling stuck in life and devastated by the news that her family’s beloved Utah cabin is up for sale, Mae makes a desperate wish for happiness. But she never expects her answer to come in the form of a time loop, resetting her holiday each time she leaves. With every restart, Mae gets another chance to find out what—and who—truly makes her happy.

We would be completely remiss if we didn’t include our incredible Christmas 2024 box featuring  A Winter Wish by Emily Stone, plus a whole lot of extras and five stunning and festive gifts that bring this wonderful story to life! 

Conclusion

We can’t wait to hear about your TBR piles, and we hope they are filled with captivating stories and cozy reading sessions. Whether you’re curling up with a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or an epic fantasy, here’s to exploring new places and making new friends—all from the comfort of your sofa!

If you’re looking for extra excitement this winter, our Once Upon a Book Club subscription boxes are here to make each story unforgettable. Each box includes a newly released novel plus 3-5 beautifully wrapped gifts to open at specific points in the story, creating a one-of-a-kind, interactive reading experience. 

Once you’ve read the OUABC way, there’s no going back! Subscribe today and discover how we make reading magical!