Cozy Reads for Winter Blues

These cozy reads are taking me across the pond—no cold travel required!

January 18, 2026  Manage Preferences Hey, there! If we aren't careful, January and February can be awfully depressing months. The holiday cheer has wrapped, a new year has begun, and the weather is just cold and gray and blah. No one is getting enough sunshine, and the fruit selection at the farmer's market is bleak. (I can't be the only one here who mourns the end of berry season each year, right?) So, today we're fighting back the blues with cozy recommendations. Whether you want to take a trip to Scotland or curl up with a thrilling page-turner, we've got you covered. In fact, these reads might actually convince you that the cold isn't so bad, after all. Yours, Genevieve Books Content Manager @ Pix The Stack   Together with  Together with The Stack 3 Chilling Thrillers in Snowy Settings If January's cold, gray weather has you feeling grumpy, consider this your fix: thrillers so icy, they make winter feel worth it. Trust us, you may want to leave the lights (and your coat) on while enjoying these literally chilling reads. Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney Trapped in a remote, snow-blanketed Scottish getaway, a fractured couple's anniversary turns deadly as secrets surface. Buy now The Snowman by Jo Nesbø A woman vanishes and a snowman marks the crime, igniting a hunt for a killer who only strikes when the snow falls. Buy now The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon In a remote Vermont town, a teen's hunt for her missing mother leads her to a hidden diary that suggests the past isn't over. Buy now In The Bookends, we pick an exciting new release and pair it with an older title readers will also love. This week: Cozy winter vibes across the pond! Winter by Val McDermid Val McDermid is known for her thrillers, but now we're getting to see a softer side. In this work of nonfiction, she shares her love for Scottish winters, traditions, and memories, encouraging us all to embrace rest and retreat. It's "a warm hug of a book…like sitting by a roaring winter fire" (Jackie Kay, award-winning author of Trumpet). Read plot A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy All of Maeve Binchy's books are cozy, so think of this as just a starting suggestion! Set in a small Irish town, this #1 New York Times bestseller focuses on a group of strangers who have come together at a newly opened inn. The Daily Beast praised it as, "A hopeful, loving novel chronicling lives shaped by good deeds, small favors, and honest counsel along the rocky crags of the Irish coast." Read plot Hotel Spotlight   Together with  Together with Hotel Spotlight Danfords Hotel & Marina The Vibe: Coastal chic with a nautical soul The Location: Port Jefferson, NY Instaworthy Accommodations:  Anchored in the heart of historic Port Jefferson Village, Danfords Hotel & Marina is a seaside sanctuary where modern comfort meets maritime charm. Each of the 86 newly renovated rooms and suites features coastal-inspired décor, private balconies, and views of the harbor or village. Spend your morning strolling the marina or relaxing at the full-service spa before heading out to explore boutique shops and waterfront cafés just steps away. End the day with dockside dining at Ferryman's Grille and golden hour views over the Long Island Sound. The Stack   Together with  Together with The Stack Your mental health matters. Don't wait. Between darker, shorter days and day-to-day stressors, it's important to take time for yourself. BetterHelp makes it easier than ever to take care of your mental health: anytime, anywhere. With over 30,000 licensed therapists and flexible online sessions, you can get support that fits your life. Invest in your mental health and get 20% off your first month by signing up today. Quick Survey How likely are you to cancel a streaming service in the next 30 days? 1 2 3 4 5 Not at all likely Extremely likely Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here Want more Pix? QUICK LINKS Free Mobile App Likewise Plus New Book Releases Trending Fiction Trending Thrillers Trending Fantasy Trending Romance Advertise With Us © 2026 Pix Media, Inc. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are a registered user on the Likewise mobile app or opted in to Pix Media's mailing list. Our mailing address is: Pix Media, Inc. 1100 Bellevue Way NE, Ste 8A-202 Bellevue, WA 98004 Manage Preferences or Unsubscribe View our privacy policy here.