These Farmhouse Bookshelves (Snowstorm Edition)

by Christie Purifoy | Jan 4, 2014 | Books, Gardening, Uncategorized, Winter

I love winter. I love snow.

I love them for themselves, but, let’s be honest, I love that they give me more time for my books.

Is your driveway buried in as much snow as mine? Here are a few books perfect for snowy days.

Now, if only the library delivered …

(You can find all my Saturday book recommendations here and some explanation about my use of affiliate links.)

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Lately, I’ve kept my nose buried in seed and plant catalogs rather than books. I open one up determined to find just the right cucumber for pickling and within minutes I am planning a quarter-acre rose garden. These catalogs are just a little dangerous for me.

Almost the only thing with the power to pull me away from the catalogs (and the daydreams) is a book by Louise Penny. Her Chief Inspector Gamache detective novels are my new favorite thing. One by one, I am devouring them. I’ve started treating them like chocolate. I am always greedy for more, but I’m desperately concerned I’ll run out.

Yes, they are that good.

You’ll want to begin with the first: Still Life (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache Mysteries, No. 1). Today, I’m reading # 6: Bury Your Dead: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel. These books just keep getting better.

Number Six is perfect snow day reading. Inspector Gamache is wandering the snowy streets of old Quebec City, and it is Winter Carnival time. Everything that makes this series so special is present and accounted for: a charming and brave hero, tangled mysteries, delicious food and drink (I can’t read one of these books without craving fresh-baked croissants and creamy cafe au lait), history, spirituality, and a beautiful setting.

Have I mentioned I love these books?

Another book I love is Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher. I’d never read this one before December, but, like one of my favorite book bloggers, I plan to reread it every December from now on.

This novel is beautifully written but easy to read. It is deeply thoughtful but light and fun. It is set in Scotland. There’s a snowstorm. The characters are wonderful.

And the ending? Beautiful.

Here is a book for the little skiers and sledders: It’s Snowing! by Olivier Dunrea. This sweet little picture book captures the joy of a mama and her baby playing in the snow. It’s simple and lovely and quiet, and I love it very much.

I bought it while living in Florida and just about cried the first time I read it, but now? I read it with a smile on my face.

Tell me, which books keep you company in winter?