23 Winter Book Club Books That Everyone Will Want to Discuss

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Picking a winter book club read is trickier than it sounds. 

The cold months call for something that feels rich and layered – a book you can sink into with a blanket and a mug of something warm – but also one that sparks enough conversation to keep everyone talking long after the last page. 

I’ve actually written another post about how to pick the perfect book club book (because yes, there’s an art to it), but this time, I’m zooming in on the titles that feel just right for winter.

These are my top picks for the best winter book club books – stories that are deep, engaging, and guaranteed to leave your group with plenty to unpack.

I’ve also included a few discussion questions for each one to help keep your meeting flowing and make sure everyone gets a chance to share their thoughts. 

Honestly, I love every single book on this list. They’ve stayed with me long after I finished reading, and I think they’ll do the same for you.

An Age of Winters by Gemma Liviero

This is one of those winter book club books to read this winter that completely pulls you into its cold, haunting world. 

Set in 1625 Germany, it’s filled with secrets, suspicion, and the fear of witchcraft. 

I found it so gripping how the characters–especially Katarin–have to choose between love, fear, and survival. 

Watching her get swept up by Reverend Zacharias gave me chills, especially as the village’s paranoia grew. 

It’s dark, intense, and perfect if your book club loves historical fiction with a twist of danger. 

I couldn’t stop turning the pages, and honestly, I kept thinking how scary winter must have felt back then. 

This one truly makes you reflect on how easily fear can turn people against each other. 

If you’re in the mood for historical fiction full of mystery, betrayal, and winter’s weight, this is the one.

Potential Discussion Questions:

1. How does the harsh winter setting affect the mood and choices of the characters?

2. Did you trust Reverend Zacharias? Why or why not?

3. How do love and obsession show up in Katarin’s story?

4. What role did fear and superstition play in the villagers’ actions?

5. How do you feel about how women were treated during the witch trials?

The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon

This is definitely one of the spookiest winter book club books to read this winter, and it really got under my skin in the best way. 

It flips between past and present, which I always enjoy. 

When Ruthie finds an old diary in her mom’s bedroom, it leads her into a chilling mystery that ties into the tragic death of a woman in 1908. 

I couldn’t stop thinking about the idea of love that refuses to let go even after death. 

It’s haunting and layered with family secrets, cold forests, and old legends that make you want to keep the lights on. 

I loved how the past and present kept weaving together. 

If your book club is into ghost stories that feel grounded in real emotion, this is a perfect choice. It’s spooky, but also kind of sad in a beautiful way.

Potential Discussion Questions:

1. Did the past storyline or the present-day mystery grip you more? Why?

2. How do grief and love intertwine in this book?

3. Would you have opened Sara’s diary if you were Ruthie?

4. What did you think about the idea of bringing loved ones back from the dead?

5. How does the setting (cold, remote Vermont) make the story feel more eerie?

6. Do you think history can repeat itself when secrets stay hidden?

Five Winters by Kitty Johnson

I felt so much for Beth in this story–it’s sweet, emotional, and full of heart, which makes it one of the most touching winter book club books to read this winter. 

Beth has loved her best friend’s brother since forever, but he’s marrying someone else. 

I was cheering her on as she decided to focus on her dream of becoming a mother, even if her love story didn’t go the way she hoped. 

What I enjoyed most was how honest the book felt. It didn’t rush healing or tie everything up too neatly. 

Over five winters, Beth finds strength in unexpected places, and I found myself really rooting for her happiness. 

If your book club loves stories about women discovering their strength, redefining love, and embracing new beginnings, this one is warm, cozy, and full of quiet power.

Potential Discussion Questions:

1. How did Beth’s heartbreak shape her choices?

2. What were your thoughts on her journey to motherhood?

3. How did the friendships in the book support or challenge Beth?

4. Did you feel satisfied with how Beth’s story ended?

5. What do you think the book says about love that doesn’t work out?

6. How did the five winters mark different stages of her growth?

The Ocean in Winter by Elizabeth de Veer

Honestly, this book feels like a snowstorm of emotions and that’s why I think it’s one of the most deeply felt winter book club books to read this winter. 

It follows three sisters still trying to heal from the trauma of their mother’s death decades ago. I found myself especially drawn to Alex and her loneliness. 

When one of the sisters reappears in the middle of a storm, I had goosebumps. 

This is ultimately a story about grief, healing, and learning how to reconnect with people you love. 

There’s a haunting beauty to this story, and I loved how winter itself almost felt like a character. 

If your book club likes emotional stories about sisters, second chances, and uncovering family secrets, this one really delivers. 

It’s a tender, thoughtful read that leaves you with a full heart and lots to talk about.

Potential Discussion Questions:

1. How did the sisters’ childhood trauma affect their adult lives?

2. Which sister’s journey touched you the most, and why?

3. What did you think about Riley’s sudden reappearance?

4. How does the ocean and the winter storm symbolize grief?

5. Did this book change how you see sibling relationships?

6. What role does forgiveness play in this story?

The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo

This book is absolutely one of the most unique winter book club books to read this winter. 

Set in early 1900s Manchuria, it blends mystery with folklore, and I couldn’t get enough of the fox spirit Snow. 

She’s a mother, a seeker, and a creature of secrets–my heart ached for her journey. 

The detective Bao added another layer I loved, as he follows clues through China and Japan, while searching for truth in a world full of illusions. 

If your book club enjoys folklore-inspired tales with atmosphere and depth, this one is so perfect for cold nights. 

I was truly spellbound by it, and I think you’ll find yourselves talking about it long after the last page.

Potential Discussion Questions:

1. What did you think of Snow’s character and her motivations?

2. How did the mix of folklore and reality add to the story?

3. What did you make of Bao’s connection to fox spirits?

4. What themes around motherhood stood out to you?

5. How did the setting (cold, mystical Manchuria and Japan) add to the mood?

6. What do you think the book says about vengeance and justice?

The Favorites by Layne Fargo

This is one of the most emotionally layered winter book club books to read this winter, because it made me feel everything. 

Kat and Heath’s bond, born on the ice, is electric and so full of longing. I was fascinated by how their childhood trauma and dreams pulled them together, then slowly unraveled them. 

The ice-dancing scenes felt like poetry, and I loved how the story explored fame, love, ambition, and who really gets to tell your story. 

I found myself rooting for Kat as she fought to reclaim her voice, even when the past tried to define her. 

This book has drama, heart, and so much vulnerability. 

If your book club loves stories that dive into complicated relationships and the messiness behind perfect images, this one is powerful, raw, and beautifully told–with winter always gliding quietly in the background.

Potential Discussion Questions:

1. How did Kat and Heath’s childhood affect their partnership?

2. What did you think of the documentary and how it shaped their story?

3. How do fame and trauma interact in their lives?

4. Did you root for Kat and Heath as a couple, or not?

5. How do you feel about Kat reclaiming her voice after all those years?

6. In what ways does winter and the ice mirror the characters’ emotional states?

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

If your book club enjoys historical fiction with strong women, this is one of the best winter book club books to read this winter. 

I loved Martha Ballard–she’s smart, brave, and quietly bold in a time when women weren’t supposed to speak up. 

When a man turns up frozen in the river and secrets start to spill, Martha doesn’t back down. 

I was completely pulled into her world–icy rivers, hidden truths, and her unwavering need for justice. 

The way she used her diary to record everything made me think about how women have always found ways to be heard, even when no one’s listening. 

It’s beautifully written and full of suspense. 

I couldn’t stop thinking about how justice isn’t always neat, especially when winter’s chill is settling in over everything. 

This one will spark so many important conversations in your club.

Potential Discussion Questions:

1. What made Martha Ballard such a compelling main character?

2. How did her diary empower her in a male-dominated society?

3. Were you surprised by how the mystery unfolded?

4. What role does justice play in the story, especially for women?

5. How did you feel about the small-town secrets and whispers?

6. Do you think Martha would be seen as a hero in today’s world?

A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy

Cozy and comforting, this is one of my favorite winter book club books to read this winter. 

The charm of Stone House, with its sea views and fireplaces, made me want to book a winter holiday right away. 

I loved how each guest had their own story and reason for being there. 

Maeve Binchy weaves their lives together with such kindness and gentle humor. 

If your book club is looking for something uplifting with lots of heart, this is perfect. 

It’s about second chances, new friendships, and unexpected connections and it left me smiling the whole way through. I can’t wait to revisit it again next winter.

Potential Discussion Questions:

1. Which guest’s story stayed with you the most, and why?

2. How did Chicky’s vision for Stone House bring everyone together?

3. What does the book say about taking second chances?

4. Did you see yourself in any of the characters?

5. How did the wintry Irish setting add to the charm of the book?

6. Would you spend a week at Stone House if you could?

The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry

I genuinely did not expect this book to be as wild and romantic as it turned out to be, but it delivered and I feel it’s definitely one of the most adventurous winter book club books to read this winter.

Set in 1890s Montana, it follows Tom and Polly, two broken souls who run off on a stolen horse in the middle of a bitter winter. 

This love story is gritty, poetic, and full of dark humor. 

I loved how the cold landscape matched their desperation and fierce love. 

Kevin Barry’s writing is like a song, rough and tender at the same time. 

If your book club likes stories that are a little different–edgy, lyrical, and a bit heartbreaking–this is such a great pick. 

I was rooting for them the whole way, even when the odds were stacked against them. A perfect read for when winter feels a little too quiet.

Potential Discussion Questions:

1. What drew Tom and Polly to each other so powerfully?

2. Did the rawness of the story take you by surprise?

3. What role did the wild landscape and winter setting play in their escape?

4. How did you feel about their choices as the story went on?

5. What do you think the book says about love and rebellion?

6. Did you find any hope in the ending?

Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield

On a snowy night by the river, a drowned girl comes back to life. I was hooked immediately. 

The setting is beautiful, the characters are unforgettable, and the mystery slowly wraps around you like a soft blanket. 

I loved how it blended science and folklore, asking whether miracles are real or just misunderstood. 

Each family wants the girl to be theirs, and the way their stories unfold made me feel so many things–hope, grief, love. 

If your book club enjoys slower, atmospheric books that feel like stepping into a fairytale, this one is so special. 

Potential Discussion Questions:

1. What did you think happened to the little girl–miracle or mystery?

2. Which family’s claim to the child did you believe most?

3. How did the river serve as a symbol throughout the book?

4. What did you think about how stories were passed along and changed?

5. How did the mix of science and folklore affect your reading experience?

6. What did the book make you feel about grief, hope, and belonging?

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And there you have it – my favorite winter book club picks that are perfect for sparking cozy, thoughtful conversations.

If you’re still figuring out your next read, you might want to check out my other post on how to pick the perfect book club book and my list of year-round book club favorites for even more inspiration. 

I’d love to hear what your club is reading this winter, so drop a comment.