What Is the 2025 Winter Reading Challenge?

The 2025 Winter Reading Challenge is a seasonal reading event running from December 2024 through February 2025. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the idea of embracing the season through books.

This year’s prompts are all about celebrating the winter vibe:

1. A book with a snowy or winter setting
2. A book that feels cozy and comforting
3. A mystery or thriller set in a small town

You can read one book a month, devour them all at once, or pace yourself however you like. There’s no pressure—just the joy of reading.

Why You’ll Love This Challenge

Winter can sometimes feel long and dreary, but books have the power to transport us to other places, make us feel cozy, and even send a chill down our spine with a good mystery. This challenge is all about:

• Celebrating the season: Dive into books that match the wintery atmosphere.
• Finding comfort and joy: Pick stories that make you feel warm and happy inside.
• Sparking excitement: Thrilling mysteries keep those long nights captivating.

The Prompts: What to Read This Winter

1. A Book with a Snowy or Winter Setting

Transport yourself to a snow-covered landscape or a frosty winter wonderland. Think cozy cabins, remote villages, or adventurous treks through snowy mountains. These books will immerse you in all the chilly, wintry vibes. If you’re looking for recommendations, here are some examples:

• The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
• One Day in December by Josie Silver
• Shiver by Allie Reynolds

2. A Book That Feels Cozy and Comforting

Winter is the season for hygge—those cozy moments of comfort and warmth. Choose a story that feels like a soft blanket and a cup of hot chocolate. It might be a heartwarming romance, a feel-good family story, or even a nostalgic reread. If you’re looking for recommendations, here are some examples:

• An Ice Cream Parlor Mystery Series by Abby Collette
• The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

3. A Mystery or Thriller Set in a Small Town

There’s something so atmospheric about a small-town setting in winter, especially when it involves a gripping mystery or an edge-of-your-seat thriller. These books are perfect for those long, dark nights. If you’re looking for recommendations, here are some examples:

• Still Life by Louise Penny
• The Dry by Jane Harper
• All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby

How to Participate

1. Choose Your Books: Pick a title for each prompt or browse your TBR pile for inspiration.
2. Set Your Reading Goals: Plan to complete the challenge by February 2025, or take your time—this is your journey!
3. Share Your Progress: Use the hashtag #BiblioLifestyleChallenge to share what you’re reading and connect with others participating in the challenge.

I’ll be posting updates and book recommendations on my Instagram and Substack, so be sure to follow along and join the conversation.

Tips for a Cozy Winter Reading Experience

• Create a dedicated reading nook with warm blankets, candles, and your favorite drink.
• Set aside quiet time in the evening or on weekends for uninterrupted reading.
• Join a bookish community online to share your progress and get new recommendations.

Let’s Make This Winter Magical

Winter is the perfect time to slow down and savor the little things—like a good book. I hope this challenge brings you comfort, joy, and maybe a little excitement during the season. So grab your books, snuggle up, and let’s make this a winter to remember.

I can’t wait to see what you’re reading! Be sure to share your picks and progress with me in the comments or on social media.

Do you have winter reading goals or plans for 2025?

What goals you’re hoping to achieve?  Do you have some books you’re looking forward to reading?  Please let me know in the comments!