Best Winter Books on Kindle Unlimited
With colder days and longer nights, winter is the season where I get the most reading done. Having the sun set so early makes me extra cognizant of my screen time, and while it’s easy to get carried away with a Netflix marathon, having a good book makes screen-free time feel effortless and fun.
Like most things, the cost of books continues to rise, which is why I’m extra grateful for Kindle Unlimited. I’m typically anti-subscription (there’s so many and they add up!), but Kindle Unlimited is worth it.
Think of Kindle Unlimited as your own personal library: it’s a monthly subscription that grants you access to millions of books, and even if you don’t have a Kindle, you can download the app to your phone and read from there. You don’t have to worry about due dates or wait for a book to become available; it feels way more valuable than the $12 I pay a month.
Today I’m rounding up some of the best Kindle Unlimited books to read this winter - thrillers, romance, contemporary fiction, and nonfiction favorites. Whether you want to lean into the season with a snowy, heart-pounding thriller or find escapism in a warm, beachy read, these are my top Kindle Unlimited recommendations for winter break.
the best winter reads on kindle unlimited
thrillers
The Girl in Cabin 13 by A.J. Rivers (5/5 stars)
I tend to gravitate towards spooky thrillers when winter rolls around, and this FBI-centered book is one of my all-time favorites; it genuinely gave me nightmares after I finished it.
This is perfect for anyone who doesn’t like multiple POVs; it’s told just from the main character’s perspective. It’s also easy to keep track of all of the characters, which is something I sometimes struggle with. While the main character can be a little naive, impulsive, and annoying at times, her pitfalls don’t detract from the story or overall quality.
One of the hardest parts about reading a lot of thrillers is that it can become easy to predict the endings (or they fall short), but the main twist in this book is extremely chilling and made the book so good that I read it twice. With short chapters and tension that builds steadily from the first page, I recommend this to everyone looking to break out of a reading slump, as it’s the perfect book to read over a cold winter weekend.
Read it here.
Never Lie by Freida McFadden (4/5 stars)
Freida McFadden is one of the most popular Kindle Unlimited authors, and while her books can be hit or miss for me, one of Freida McFadden’s signatures is writing a psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat without being too graphic, violent, or racy. Never Lie is a book you could read with your mom without cringing over too-intense scenes, yet it’s such a complete novel that it doesn’t need any of that to get you hooked on the story- definitely one of her better, well-thought-out plots.
The book centers around a couple that gets snowed in at the house they’re potentially looking to buy, so it’s perfect for a winter weekend in. Full of clever bait-and-switch twists, you’ll think you have it all figured out just to be surprised again.
Read it here.
The Perfect Family by Anya Mora (4/5 stars)
Hear me out: this cover does not do the book any favors. It looks cheesy, and I’ve found most Kindle Unlimited books with similar covers end up being over exaggerated, ridiculous stories a la Lifetime. It’s also rare for a domestic thriller to blow me away at this point; I’ve read so many that I can predict the twists, so even though they’re fun, they don’t really stick with me.
I was surprised I enjoyed this as much as I did, but it really is that good. I love when a thriller has a little heart and depth to it, and this was no exception. The author excelled at characterization; I felt a connection to Bets and her death was harder to accept as the story continued. I also thought the dual timeline was well-done. If you want a singular POV thriller, this is a good one!
Read it here.
Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden (3.5/5 stars)
If you want a fun, lighthearted thriller, I recommend this one. It’s over-the-top, unhinged, and a true popcorn thriller. If you like dark thrillers, this won’t land for you, but if you like a little drama a la A Simple Favor or Friends With Secrets (also a solid KU pick), you’ll love it.
True to what you expect from McFadden, this is fast-paced yet a slow build, with the twists coming quickly at the end. I also liked how well-written the relationship between the main character, Debbie, and her daughters was; it was believable and authentic, and kept this novel from being too cheesy.
Ultimately, this is an easy read that will entertain you for a weekend, but you won’t necessarily think about it later on. It’ll sustain a quick coffee chat with a friend, but is too one-note for book club.
Read it here.
romance
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (4/5 stars)
If you want an enemies-to-lovers read, this is your best bet. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and perfectly crafted, and makes the story that much more enjoyable (especially since you kind of know how it’ll end).
While I wish we got a few chapters from Josh’s POV, this was an effortless, cheesy but not over-the-top read. It’s a slower burn that I’m used to, but didn’t feel like a chore to read. Bonus: this was recently turned into a movie, so after you read the book, you can treat yourself to a movie night.
Read it here.
Till Summer do Us Part by Meghan Quinn (3/5 stars)
If you want to escape somewhere tropical, this is a true summer romance that will transport you straight to warmer temperatures. The creative spin on this “fake dating” plot is funny, heartwarming, and reminiscent of your favorite rom-com movie. While I thought it was a little too long (450+ pages), there is an epilogue that really brings the story full circle.
The adult summer camp vibes make this perfect for a summer beach read, and I enjoyed the witty banter. Lastly, there’s plenty of spice without feeling too contrived or overdone.
Read it here.
The Deal by Elle Kennedy (3/5 stars)
This is the start of a five-book series (though you can read them standalone). One of the main characters is a collegiate hockey player, so you get winter vibes, yet the story itself is fun. I’d describe this more as new adult because the characters are in their early 20s, but I enjoyed that because it felt like a quick escape from adulting (bills, insurance, work stress, etc.)
Kennedy does a nice job of giving her characters dimension and realistic emotion, making this a little less fluffy than other romance novels. All of my friends really loved this series, but I wouldn’t necessarily consider it to be a book club contender.
Read it here.
The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez (4/5 stars)
This was a little long and repetitive at times, but the last third really packed a punch and was more emotional than I expected. The banter is witty, and while this falls to the “obscure career” trope you get with romance novels, it really adds to this story. The friendship between Kristen and Sloan was also heartwarming and one of my favorite aspects of this novel.
I love that the author explored an infertility story, something I don’t think we hear enough about, and it was done in a realistic, genuine way. There was enough depth to keep this book from reading like a Hallmark movie, but it’s still a sweet, feel-good story that I found to be surprisingly charming.
Read it here.
contemporary fiction
All They Ask is Everything by Hadley Leggat (4.5/5 stars)
A true contemporary fiction, this explores a lot of difficult subjects without feeling too heavy. I loved how the author showed how family looks different for everyone, and the beauty in embracing imperfectness and forgiveness.
Not many books are able to explore the complications and grey are of real life in a believable way, but this one hits it out of the park. It reminded me that what’s best isn’t always what’s easy, and I really, really loved this. A true Kindle Unlimited gem, no doubt.
Themes of pride, resiliency, community, and unconditional love make this a great book to buddy-read with a friend.
Read it here.
Such a Good Family by Caitlin Weaver (5/5 stars)
From start to finish, the book holds your attention. It’s dramatic yet believable, and so well-done that it doesn’t rely on cheap, overdramatic twists. While I wouldn’t describe it as a coming-of-age novel, it does encompass “the in-between stage when you’re too young to fully understand the consequences of your choices, but old enough to be responsible for making life-altering decisions” (p. 344).
Telling the story from multiple POVs adds depth, yet it isn’t difficult to follow or differentiate between characters.
If you want a book that you’ll be texting all your friends about and eager to discuss, this is the one, because it really makes you think about what you’d do if you were in that situation and generates lots of interesting conversation.
Read it here.
I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue (4/5 stars)
Novels rooted in humor can be really hit or miss; the jokes land with you or they don’t. I don’t work in the corporate world, so this was a fun peek into that world, but I can see how the themes are a little overdone at times.
This is about a twenty-something administrator who gets in trouble at work and accidentally ends up with access to all of her coworkers’ emails. Full of witty, thinking out loud writing, the author did a great job balancing familiarity and uniqueness when developing these characters. Cconsidering it’s a character-driven novel, I appreciate that the characters had a grey area. No one was fully likable or unlikable, and it made them more realistic.
Overall, it’s a lighthearted read, yet there are deeper, more introspective themes that make you think. This is a fun winter book for the introverts, late bloomers, and those with social anxiety.
Read it here.
Night Road by Kristin Hannah (5/5 stars)
You may know author Kristin Hannah from her popular books The Nightingale or The Women, but Night Road is underrated and one of the best books available with Kindle Unlimited.
This had me engrossed from start to finish; I was fully emotionally invested and couldn’t finish it fast enough. While the title/ book cover seems wintery, the main plot occurs in the summer just before high school graduation, so I think it’s worth reading before school starts up again as you won’t want to put it down.
Some of the themes are heavy, and it’s a slow burn, but the author captures the kaleidoscope of grief and the layers of complicated relationships so beautifully that you can’t help but lose yourself in the story. It’s a tearjerker in the best way, one of the best books I’ve read, and I can’t rave about it enough.
Read it here.
nonfiction
The Happiest Man on Earth: The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor by Eddie Jaku (5/5 stars)
A must-read in my book. It’s shorter (around 200 pages), but I mention that purely to encourage you to read it this winter. The book touches on the power of perspective as well as the importance of education, work ethic, and friendship. Even if you’re familiar with the Holocaust and have heard other survivors speak, this book is worth reading and there’s so much we can all learn from Eddie Jaku.
“If you have the opportunity today, please go home and tell your mother how much you love her. Do this for your mother. And do it for your new friend, Eddie, who cannot tell it to his mother.” (p. 70)
“Here is what I learned. Happiness does not fall from the sky; it is in your hands. Happiness comes from inside yourself and from the people you love. And if you are healthy and happy, you are a millionaire.” (p. 154)
Read it here.
You’re Too Good to Feel This Bad: An Orthodox Approach to Living an Unorthodox Life by Dr. Nate Dallas (5/5 stars)
If being stuck at home is giving you cabin fever and you’re about ready to reinvent your entire life, I recommend this book. Written by a dentist, this covers mind, body and lifestyle - topics range from breathing to money to meditation. It is one of the most comprehensive self-help books I’ve read.
The advice he gives is practical (not woo-woo at all) and the tips are ‘easy’ to incorporate in the sense that you don’t have to change your whole life. They’re habits you can stack into your daily life long as you are motivated, disciplined, and have a plan in place to stick to them. Rather than burn your whole life down for a week just to slip back into routine, this helps you start where you’re at and making gentle yet lasting, impactful change. If you read only read one self-help book, this is the one I most recommend.
Read it here.
No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality by Michael J. Fox (5/5 stars)
What I love about memoirs (and reading in general) is the opportunity to step into someone else’s shoes and live in their world for a little bit. Even if you’re not familiar with Michael J. Fox’s films, you’ll really connect with this and it sheds such a beautiful light on the strength of the human spirit, something we could all use more of. I also recommend this if you’re someone who tends to get in your head and overthink, whether it’s about your past or relationships or what the future might look like.
This was an incredibly raw look into the reality of living with Parkinson’s. You don’t have to be familiar with the author’s film work to enjoy the book, and the references to time are wise and heartfelt, not cheesy. The nonlinear storytelling makes this an engaging read; it’s not hard to follow, and it still felt like a cohesive narrative, rather than a collection of essays. This was so well-written that it made me want to read the other books Fox has published now.
Favorite quote: “When I visit the past now, it is for wisdom and experience, not for regret or shame. I don't attempt to erase it, only to accept it. Whatever my physical circumstances are today, I will deal with them and remain present. If I fall, I will rise up. As for the future, I haven't been there yet. I only know that I have one. Until I don't. The last thing we run out of is the future. Really, it comes down to gratitude. I am grateful for all of it - every bad break, every wrong turn, and the unexpected losses — because they're real. It puts into sharp relief the joy, the accomplishments, the overwhelming love of my family. I can be both a realist and an optimist.” (p. 226)
Read it here.
the best kindle winter books
I wanted to also add a few more of my favorite winter books. While these aren’t available to read through Kindle Unlimited, they’re 100% worth the purchase in my opinion.
The Paradise Problem by Lauren
If you’re sick of the winter chill, consider this a summer vacation in a book. Genuinely cute, the lightheartedness is a refreshing switch-up if you tend to read more serious or realistic books.
It had great pacing, witty dialogue, and definitely some laugh-out-loud moments. The epilogue was longer than what I’m used to; it almost felt like a short story at the end that really wrapped everything up nicely. I’m grateful the authors gave us the epilogue as opposed to dragging it out into a second book.
Read it here.
Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra
Probably one of the creepiest, eeriest books you can read this winter. It’s about a mother who realizes she and her two young children are victims of a home invasion in the middle of a blizzard. The tension is there from the very first page, and I was fully engrossed in the story right away. I did find the story to drag a little in the middle, or maybe it’s just that I wanted to rush to the ending to see how everything played out.
There’s more than meets the eye with this book; it’s a gripping thriller, but there’s also some subtle social commentary, too. The characters aren’t named in the book (only the intruder has a nickname), which threw me off a little, but you can tell it was intentionally done.
Anything that makes you question your sense of safety makes for a wild thriller, and this was no exception. Reminiscent of the movie The Strangers, this is perfect for a winter night in.
Read it here.
Barbed Wire Heart by Tess Sharpe
One of my favorite books that I’ve read in recent years, I finished it in a day and can’t wait to read it again. This book absolutely blew me away. It was gritty, violent, and intense, but also captivating and vividly written.
The writing is so good that I found myself simply enjoying the story, rather than try to guess what’s next. Part of the main character’s plan is laid out for you, but there’s the suspense that something could go wrong; instead of leaning into that or coming up with my own theories, I really let this book unfold and play out like a movie in my head.
Overall, it was much more emotionally-driven with stronger “life lesson” themes than I expected, especially regarding the big twist. The characterization was top-tier and I’d love to see this turned into a movie or limited series.
Read it here.
The Paradise Trilogy by Elin Hilderbrand (4/5 stars; books two and three are 3.5/5 stars)
This trilogy is comprised of the books Winter in Paradise, What Happens in Paradise, Troubles in Paradise, and it’s a cute, fun beach series. The first book is best; the second two aren’t as strong, but wrap the story up nicely, so I recommend reading all three. You’re fully immersed into two families’ lives right from the jump, and while there’s a lot of characters, it’s easy to follow along and you get a variety of age ranges, emotions, and experiences.
There’s a little drama and mystery to the story, but overall it’s very breezy and heartwarming in tone. Grief is mentioned, but it’s not heavy. If you want to step in the shoes of island life where you wear swimsuits and flip-flops year round, this is a great option.
Read it here.
The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store by Caitlin Flanders (4/5 stars)
One of the downsides of being stuck at home in the winter is the boredom that can settle in. After spending a few days dealing with the flu, I looked around my room and realized I had way too much stuff. Enter: this book. It’s more of a memoir than a how-to guide, but it’s deeply human, vulnerable, and relatable. I like that the author opens up about her emotional triggers and methodologies; it feels like you’re having a conversation with a friend, rather than hearing a speech from a so-called expert.
This book inspired me to take a gentle (yet honest) look at myself, my habits, the quality of my life, and my overall emotional well-being. Not only did I feel inspired to pare down my belongings, but this also helped me create a better blueprint for my life focused on in-person experiences, rather than things or FaceTimes.
Read it here.
