11 Cozy Books to Read

It’s Fall! Yippee!! I always love to read, but there’s something especially enticing about reading in snuggle-up weather, isn’t there? A lovely fire, soft warm blanket, a mug of something hot and yummy, and a few lovely, cozy books to read.

Does this sound like an ideal evening to everyone else?

Some of you may think I’m showing my age, but actually…this was a smashing good time for me even as a teen.

For a snuggle-down cozy evening, I’m looking for a specific sort of book. Nothing theologically heavy. Can’t require intense concentration or deep thinking. Absolutely must not be scary or gruesome in any way, because that is not my definition of cozy. I’m a wimp, and I admit it.

Here we go! I’m sharing recommendations for two Middle-Grade novels (for everyone!!), two Christian Fiction, three Non-Fiction, Christian non-Fiction, two mysteries, and one…cookbook? I’m not quite sure how to classify the final book. It creates its own genre.

11 Cozy Books to Read

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Cozy Books to Read: Middle Grade Novels

Some of my most-loved books are middle grade novels. Please, never think you’re too old for a middle grade novel. A well-written book is fair game for everyone. Yes, you.

 Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

As soon as I tell you this is a Middle-Grade novel, you’ll think it’s not for you. You’d be wrong.

It’s written in free verse, which I thought I wouldn’t like at all, but it was gorgeous.

Evocative.

Heart-warming.

Thought-provoking.

The story is set in the Oklahoma panhandle during the Dust Bowl. It’s about loss and grief, anger, bitterness, forgiveness, pain and despair, hardship. Building relationships when it seems too hard. Persevering and finding a way through when you can’t find a way out.

This is for you if you’re one of my Okla-homies, or Dust Bowl descendant. It’s for you if you’ve ever suffered loss or slogged through hardship.

In short: if you’re human, this book is meant for you.

 Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder

This beautifully written book features a puzzling and never-explained setting, yet it still drew me in. I read it as a coming-of-age story–a tribute to the swirl of emotions and confusion as we leave childhood and face the unknown of adulthood, and acknowledgement that growing up can feel like an ending. I expected more resolution from the ending. However, when I stumbled upon an online literary critique and the ensuing debate about the book’s message, I was incredulous at some of the opinions. I found a positive, empowering message. This would be a super book to read and discuss with your older middle-grade child, or to read in a book club.

Cozy Books to Read: Christian Non-fiction

 Hope in the Dark by Craig Groeschel

This devotional book is based on the Minor Old Testament prophet book Habakkuk, one of the my favorite Old Testament books. I love how Habakkuk points us back to God and trusting He is working even when life is dark. Craig Groeschel explores this theme in his book, which is subtitled: Believing God is Good When Life is Not.

The back of the book contains thought-provoking Questions for Reflection. I’m a huge fan of a good question that makes me dig deep, so I especially appreciate this feature.

This is well-suited for a three week devotional study with five days of assignments for each week. It would work well for private or small group study.

Cozy Books to Read: Christian Fiction

 Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin

The writing in this book is splendid. I very much enjoyed it, despite the fact that the plot became a bit over-dramatic toward the end and got a bit preachy. Well worth it for the excellent writing. The essay on fatherhood at the end had me in tears.

 The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer

In the market for a Christian romance? I’m actually rather particular in this genre, but I enjoyed this book. Cool, organized, in-charge widow Carol is at a crossroads. She’s a fresh, new empty-nester when she meets Jack, who’s rough around the edges and surrounded by chaos.

Cozy Books to Read: Non-Fiction

 I’d Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel

A book about reading books? Count me in! A collection of essays on the joys of reading by the author of The Modern Mrs. Darcy website. In addition to thought-provoking essays–(what? You too? I thought I was the only one who feels like this!)–this book is chock full of book recommendations! And honestly, do you see that cover art? Love!

 Spark Joy by Marie Kondo

Everyone knows Marie Kondo as the expert on “Tidying Up”, as she calls it, or de-cluttering and “minimalizing”. I have found her ideas helpful, although I’ve never followed her instructions for a full whole-house “tidy up”. This book is more enjoyable than its predecessor: it is full of concrete suggestions and tips.

I need to put these minimalistic “tidy-up” ideas into practice. Books: I’m coming after you!

 Blue Zones The Science of Living Longer 

This National Geographic special publication is written by Dan Buettner, who has extensively researched longevity and the factors that contribute. I’m implementing some lifestyle changes based upon his research, and plan to do further study in his other writings. He has written several books on the topic of longevity, and you can find them here.

Cozy Books to Read: Fiction/Mysteries

 The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton

My favorite sort of book is one that features characters I feel I know and care about, some sort of mystery, and goes back and forth in time to tell multiple stories over decades that connect in some way. I’m a huge fan of unraveling threads to see how the stories of past generations affect our story today.

Kate Morton is a master of this type of storytelling. This most recent book features a long-ago love triangle, a murder, and a theft. It’s also the story of WWII evacuees, and of other lonely people trying to find their way. The house that–well–houses these memories becomes rather a character on its own accord.

Oh, and there’s a ghost. It’s a ghost story, but a gentle and lovely one.

I hope you read this book so we can discuss it, because there is much to discuss.

 The Mystery of the Three Quarters by Sophie Hannah

Sophie Hannah was given permission by the estate of Agatha Christie to write new mysteries using Hercule Poirot. I read my first one–The Monogram Murders— with great trepidation, but was chuffed (that’s British for really excited!) to find Poirot in character, and the mystery to be Agatha Christie-worthy.

This latest Sophie Hannah Poirot mystery does not disappoint. I stayed up very late because I couldn’t put it down…it pulled me in from the first paragraph, and the story was twisty-turny enough to make Agatha Christie herself proud.

Cozy Books to Read: A…Cookbook?

 Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon

Is it a cookbook? A memoir? Etiquette primer? Fashion guide? Makeup tutorial?

Yes!

While I wouldn’t classify myself as a huge Reese Witherspoon fan, I am a fan of food, family, friendship, faith, and community. I’m a fan of family stories of how food shapes our culture and crystalizes our memories.

While I’m not sure how to classify this book, I am sure that any book that contains stories about etiquette class, monogramming, and specific frog-catching how-to’s is a book I want on my shelves.

This book is for Reese Witherspoon fans, Southern women and those who love them, and for people who believe that dinner at the table is important for family and friends.

That’s a wrap for 11 Cozy Books to read! Now, I can’t wait to hear what you’ve been reading and enjoying. Please respond in comments or on any of my social media posts. You will always find me eager for a good book chat!

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