As winter settles in, there’s nothing more comforting than curling up with a good book and immersing yourself in the cold, snowy landscapes that make for such memorable settings. Even for those who don’t live in a climate with winter, snowy, wintry books can provide a perfect way to get into the winter mood.
Snow has an enchanting quality in literature, evoking feelings of coziness, isolation, and even danger. Whether it’s the backdrop for a romance, thriller, or fantasy, snowy settings often carry an emotional weight that transforms the narrative.
In this post, I’ll be sharing a selection of some of the best snowy settings in literature, featuring a mix of genres from romance to thrillers, contemporary to historical fiction, and fantasy. I may or may not have read all of these books, but they’re all worth considering when you’re in the mood for a winter escape.
15 Snowy Books Perfect for Winter

1. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey (Historical Fiction/Fantasy)
Set against the backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness in the 1920s, The Snow Child combines historical fiction with magical realism. A middle-aged couple, Jack and Mabel, struggle with the loss of their child and the harshness of the frontier life. One winter, they build a snow child who mysteriously comes to life. The snow-covered setting adds an element of isolation and wonder, where the land itself seems to possess a magic all its own. The snow reflects the fragility of the characters’ emotional states while offering a sense of new beginnings. It’s a story that balances the bleakness of winter with the hope that can emerge from even the coldest of places.

2. The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon (Thriller/Horror)
In The Winter People, Jennifer McMahon masterfully blends elements of horror and suspense against the backdrop of a Vermont town blanketed in snow. The story follows several characters across different time periods as they uncover dark, mysterious happenings tied to an ancient legend about people who return from the dead during the winter. The snow in this novel adds an eerie, isolating quality to the setting, enhancing the horror as the characters begin to realize that something unnatural is happening in the midst of the cold, desolate landscape. The snow serves as both a physical barrier and a metaphor for the chilling secrets that slowly surface, making the atmosphere all the more haunting.

3. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (Fantasy)
The Night Circus is a beautifully atmospheric novel that features a magical circus open only at night. While the primary setting is a fantastical, dreamlike world, there are snowy landscapes that add to the mystery and wonder of the narrative. The circus, with its black-and-white tents and illusionary wonders, contrasts with the frozen beauty of winter, creating an enchanting atmosphere where anything is possible. The snow isn’t just part of the setting; it enhances the whimsical and otherworldly elements of the story. The quiet, magical winter setting heightens the sense of fantasy, making the book a perfect read for those seeking an escape into a snow-dusted world of magic.

4. Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson (Historical Fiction)
Set in the Pacific Northwest in the 1950s, Snow Falling on Cedars weaves together themes of love, prejudice, and justice in a snow-covered town. The story follows a courtroom drama involving the death of a fisherman, and the investigation is set against the backdrop of a heavy snowfall that blankets the island. The snow serves as a metaphor for the cultural and emotional divides within the community, as it obscures both the truth of the past and the biases of the present. The snowstorm adds to the book’s atmosphere, making the isolation of the characters more palpable. Guterson masterfully uses the snow to explore the complexity of human relationships and the impact of history on the present.

5. White Fang by Jack London (Classic/Adventure)
Set in the frozen wilderness of the Yukon Territory during the Klondike Gold Rush, White Fang by Jack London is a tale of survival and the brutal beauty of nature. The novel follows a wild wolf-dog, White Fang, as he navigates the harsh, snowy landscape of the North. The snow and ice are integral to the story, representing both the peril and the resilience needed to endure in such an unforgiving environment. The cold wilderness is more than just a setting; it shapes White Fang’s character and his journey from wild animal to domesticated companion. The snowy terrain, filled with danger, serves as a powerful backdrop for themes of survival, loyalty, and the bond between humans and animals.

6. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (Mystery/Thriller)
In The Silent Patient, a psychological thriller, the snow is more than just a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the atmosphere that enhances the suspense. Alicia Berenson, a famous painter, has not spoken a word since she shot her husband and is now in a mental institution. The snowstorm that isolates the characters inside their secluded institution adds to the feeling of claustrophobia and tension. The cold, stark environment of the facility mirrors the emotional and psychological coldness of Alicia’s silence and the chilling secrets that unravel as the plot progresses. The snowstorm intensifies the sense of confinement, making the twists and turns of the story even more gripping.

7. Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis (Contemporary Romance)
Eight Perfect Hours is a heartwarming romance that centers on Noelle, who experiences an unexpected and unforgettable connection with a stranger, Sam, when their paths cross during a snowstorm. Trapped in a stranded car together for eight perfect hours, the two share a meaningful conversation and emotional bond. After the snow clears and they part ways, they can’t stop thinking about each other, even though they don’t know each other’s last names. The snowy, wintry backdrop amplifies the feeling of serendipity and emotional depth as Noelle and Sam navigate their individual lives, eventually finding their way back to each other. This sweet, feel-good story is a perfect pick for readers looking for a romantic escape filled with winter magic and emotional warmth.

8. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (Fantasy)
No list of snowy settings would be complete without a mention of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Narnia, the land where it is “always winter, but never Christmas,” is a frozen, enchanted world under the control of the White Witch. The perpetual snow and ice in Narnia symbolize the stifling grip of the witch’s rule, but also the potential for change and renewal. The arrival of the Pevensie children signals the end of the endless winter, and the return of Aslan brings with it the promise of spring. The magical snow in Narnia isn’t just a setting—it’s part of the mystical transformation that takes place in the story, making the eventual thaw all the more meaningful.

9. Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry (Historical Fiction)
Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry is a tender and enchanting tale set in the wintry English countryside. The story follows Megs Devonshire, a practical and logical Oxford student, as she embarks on a journey to uncover the inspirations behind The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe for her ailing younger brother, George. The snow-covered landscapes and frosty settings evoke the same magical atmosphere that permeates C.S. Lewis’s beloved novel, creating a sense of wonder and nostalgia. With its heartwarming exploration of love, family, and the power of stories, this book offers a beautifully snowy escape for readers.

10. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (Contemporary Fiction)
Though not a traditional “snowy” story, A Man Called Ove features a cold, snowy Swedish neighborhood as a backdrop for the emotionally resonant narrative. Ove, a grumpy, solitary man, lives in a small town where the winters are long and harsh. The snow here is less about grandeur and more about the quiet, still moments in the midst of daily life. Backman uses the snowy setting to highlight Ove’s isolation, as well as the warmth that can emerge from the most unlikely of places. As the story unfolds, the snow becomes a symbol of Ove’s journey from solitude to connection. The emotional depth of this story is enhanced by the wintry setting, making it a heartfelt tale of redemption and human connection.

11. Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney (Thriller)
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney is a twisty psychological thriller set in a remote, snow-covered location in the Scottish Highlands. The story follows Amelia and Adam, a married couple who have grown distant and are seeking to reconnect during a weekend getaway. However, their trip takes a dark turn as secrets are revealed, and the isolation of the snowy environment intensifies the growing tension between them. The snowstorm outside becomes a metaphor for the emotional coldness and secrets that have built up over time in their relationship. Feeney’s sharp writing and unpredictable twists keep readers on edge, making this a perfect snowy thriller that combines suspense with the eerie atmosphere of a wintery landscape.

12. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris (Historical Fiction)
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris is a deeply moving historical fiction novel based on the true story of Lale Sokolov, a Jewish man who falls in love with a fellow prisoner at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. While the primary focus is on Lale and Gita’s relationship, the harsh, snowy setting of the camp adds to the bleakness and the emotional gravity of the narrative. The snow-covered landscapes of the camp serve as a stark contrast to the horrors the characters endure, amplifying the sense of coldness and despair that pervades their lives. Morris uses the wintry setting to highlight themes of survival, resilience, and hope amid unimaginable darkness. The book is an unforgettable read that captures the power of love and the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity.

13. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah (Historical Fiction)
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah takes place in the Alaskan wilderness during the 1970s, where the harsh, snow-covered landscapes are both beautiful and dangerous. The story follows Leni, a young girl who moves to Alaska with her family and is exposed to the isolated and unpredictable nature of the region. The snowy setting is crucial to the plot, symbolizing both the physical and emotional isolation Leni and her family experience. As they face the brutal winters, personal struggles, and an abusive father, the snow becomes a metaphor for the resilience and endurance required to survive in such an unforgiving environment. The wintry backdrop creates an atmospheric and gripping setting that enhances the novel’s themes of survival, love, and healing.

14. The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye (Historical Fiction/Romance)
The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye is a beautifully layered historical romance set against the backdrop of both modern and Renaissance Italy. While not primarily a snowy setting, the novel incorporates various moments in the wintry Italian countryside, where Juliet, a modern-day woman, is caught up in a centuries-old curse. The snowy scenes are subtly woven into the narrative, particularly during key moments of introspection and romantic longing, where the winter landscape mirrors the emotional coldness Juliet feels in her struggle to break the curse. The atmospheric setting adds an extra layer of magic and tension, enhancing the romantic and mysterious elements of the story. This novel combines historical depth with heartwarming moments of love, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate a touch of snow in their romantic journeys.

15. Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon (Historical Fiction/Mystery)
Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is a gripping historical thriller set in the frozen wilderness of Maine in 1789. The story follows Martha, a midwife accused of murder, as she navigates the harsh winter landscape while secrets unravel in her tight-knit community. The snowy setting amplifies the isolation and danger, creating a stark and chilling atmosphere that mirrors the tension of the plot. With its blend of suspense, historical detail, and richly drawn characters, the frozen landscape becomes an integral part of the narrative, adding to the story’s emotional weight and intrigue.
Wrap-Up: Snowy Settings and Their Impact
From romantic tales to thrilling mysteries, snowy settings are a powerful tool in literature, setting the tone for everything from warmth and connection to danger and suspense. Snow has a way of reflecting the emotional states of characters and adding to the atmosphere of the story, whether it’s the enchanting mystery of The Snow Child, the chilling isolation of Rock, Paper, Scissors, or the psychological tension in The Silent Patient. These snowy settings aren’t just for the holidays—they carry emotional weight and often reflect the inner landscapes of the characters as they navigate their journeys.
Whether you’re in the mood for a haunting thriller or a magical escape, these snowy settings provide a range of atmospheres to match any taste. So, grab a blanket and a cup of tea, and dive into these wintry worlds—they may just leave you with a sense of cold beauty and the warmth of a well-told story.
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