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Winter has arrived, and the cosy season is the perfect excuse to refresh your reading pile and hunker down with a good book (or two).

The colder months of December through to February offer ample chance to dive into a new tome. From immersive historical epics to novels that transport you to warmer climes, the criteria for a good winter book is simple: you won’t want to put it down.

Luckily, the releases for 2023 leave you spoiled for choice. From romance novels to Booker Prize-nominated tomes and laugh-out-loud stories, the mix is as eclectic as ever.

This year’s reading pile sees plenty of acclaimed debuts from the likes of Yomi Adegoke, Maud Ventura and Alice Winn, as well as eagerly anticipated titles from acclaimed authors such as Paul Murray, Dolly Alderton, Zadie Smith, Colson Whitehead, Megan Nolan and Jen Beagin.

The varied authorship is reflected in the diverse themes addressed,ranging from an Irish family in turmoiland love in the trenches of the First World War to slavery in the Caribbean, and dating across the political spectrum and dark domestic dramas.

To narrow down our list of the best books to read this winter, we looked for original page-turners with superb quality prose and a captivating story that stayed with us after we’d reached the end. From books for history-lovers to romance novels, witty romantic comedies and acclaimed prize-winners, there’s something for every type of reader.