Well, the holidays are over and we are officially entering into that time of year when keeping a positive outlook can be…challenging at best. Here in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, we have a tendency to do the whole pea soup fog thing from November til March. I don’t mind the incessant rain, but the fog really does get to me. It just makes me feel suffocated, boxed in and claustrophobic. As you might imagine, a method of escape this time of year can be immensely helpful. Is there any better escape in the world than a stack of truly good books?
As a child, I never dreamed of my wedding. I never fantasized about becoming a mother, or meeting and falling in love with my future husband. What I did romanticize as a wee little lass, was having my own library. That scene from Beauty and the Beast, when the Beast takes her into the library? You know the one. That was the stuff of my dreams, friends. I would go on to study English in college, attempt to read all the books on Rory Gilmore’s Book List and even write my own book eventually. As Sarah McKenzie would say, I’ve always been a bit…bookish.
Which is why I must, whether you like it or not, share some of my favorite books for making it through Winter.
Gardening books
Gardening books seem like an obvious answer to the Winter blues, bringing life and flowers in a dead season, if only on the page. Here’s a few gardening books I love to crack open in the colder months, carrying me through til the sun returns and I can get back to playing in the dirt.
A Home in Bloom by Christine Purifoy. I just finished this book recently, and boy was it beautiful. Walking the line between a gardening book and memoir, this book is made up of poetic reflections on life in the garden. Combined with beautiful photography, personal anecdotes, helpful tips and creative ideas, it’s a must-have for keeping hope alive in Winter. I’m already plotting how I can get my hands on her other book, Garden Maker.
From Seed to Bloom by Milli Proust. I’ve mentioned this book somewhere before, but it is truly the most beautiful and somehow practical gardening book on my shelf. Separated by not just the four seasons, but all the tricky in-between times too, Milli shares so many useful tips and tricks. Accompanied by gorgeous, moody British photography, Milli’s many beautiful essays inspire as well as educate, and I find myself reaching for this volume every single Winter.
Cookery books
I mentioned to a friend the other day that curling up in bed to read a cookbook before bed, is my ultimate relaxation. She chuckled and said something to the effect of, “Never have I ever read a cookbook for fun.” To each his own, I suppose. But truly, there is nothing more peaceful to me than thumbing through photos of beautiful food before I lay my head down at night. Here’s a few cookbooks I’ve been tucking into this Winter season.
Favorite cook books
The Farmer’s Daughter Bakes by Kelsey Siemens. I just pulled this book off the shelf at the library and instantly added it to my Amazon wishlist. I wish I could meet this lovely lady in person, because from the feel of her photos and recipes, she and I are kindred spirits to be sure. Gorgeous photos, tantalizing recipes and perfectly clean layout. This book checks all the boxes for me.
Miss Dahl’s Voluptuous Delights and Very Fond of Food by Sophie Dahl. If you’ve been following me for a while now, you’ll know well of my long history with Sophie Dahl. Over a decade ago, on a trip to the Oregon coast with family, I stumbled upon a British cooking show on YouTube. I promptly watched all 6 episodes, and then watched them again and again and again. That show changed the trajectory of my life: inspiring me to go to culinary school and forever cementing my love for all things English, floral and cottagey. These two cookbooks are not only full of lovely, seasonal recipes, but are written so beautifully I find myself picking them up every winter. Check them out at your local library and give them a shot. What can I say? They just speak to me.
The Farmette Cookbook by Imen McDonnell. I LOVE this book. Another one I checked out at the library and promptly had to buy for myself. The story of the author meeting her husband and before she knew what happened, finding herself on a generational farm in the Irish countryside, deeply resonates with me. She presents traditional Irish recipes and customs with a fresh twist, and her photography, writing, recipes and book design are spot on. It’s just the coziest book and I treasure it.
Books on Motherhood
Can I be totally honest? I don’t like to read too many parenting books. I just feel like they make things more complicated than they need to be. These books can make you feel guilty, overwhelmed or even fearful, placing more pressure on a job (being Mom!) where it’s already all too easy to get discouraged. So naturally, I find myself drawn to books that celebrate the beauty of motherhood, breathe life and encouragement into my soul, and spur me on towards my own ideals. Here’s a few of my favorites:
The Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson. I didn’t actually read this book until a few years ago, but it’s basically become my bible of motherhood and family life. Somehow encompassing all of the ideals I had come to on my own, this book was like meeting someone for the first time and just knowing you were made of the same stuff. I read a chapter at the beginning of every month (it’s divided by month) to keep my ideals fresh in my heart and mind. I LOVE this book.
Mom Heart Moments by Sally Clarkson. If you haven’t noticed, Sally is kind of my hero and I just love her daily reminders of God’s beauty, love and faithfulness in this gorgeous devotional. This is the perfect thing for busy moms. Easy to read and digest in the few quiet moments you can find each day. I never go anywhere without this tucked into my bag.
Books on Interiors
Wanna know a not-so-secret secret? I LOVE Interior Design. In fact, I was the strange teenager buying a copy of Architectural Digest in the airport instead of a gossip rag. My dad owned a construction company for 40 years, and one of my favorite things was accompanying him to his projects. Over the years I’ve picked up quite a collection of design books at antique shops and thrift stores, and Winter is the perfect time to break them out and get re-inspired.
Perfect English Farmhouse by Ros Byam Shaw. Shaw has a whole series of “Perfect” books, but this one is by far my favorite. The very best thing about this book is that the interiors are NOT perfect. Crooked stairs, uneven floorboards, old dingy baseboards and obvious imperfections are the name of the game. After all, some of the homes have been standing since the Middle Ages. Having a century old cottage myself, it is immensely comforting and inspiring to see beauty highlighted amidst imperfections.
At Home with Country by Christina Strutt. Creator of English textile brand Cabbages & Roses, Christina Strutt highlights a wide variety of English architecture in this beautiful book. I find myself coming back to it time and time again, for the way she has with mixing the masculine and feminine. Somehow she successfully mixes her trademark floral prints with ancient rough sawn beams and medieval flagstone floors, for a perfectly country effect. I can never get enough.
British Literature
I was lucky enough to be able to study writing and literature in college- thanks Mom and Dad!- and one of my favorite studies by far was British Literature. I mean…Dickens, Austen, Shakespeare, C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, the Bronte Sisters, Thomas Hardy, Beatrix Potter, Chaucer and A.A. Milne? Come on! I’ve always been fascinated by tales of life in the motherland, and every Winter, find myself going back to some of the classics. Here’s a few favorites.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer. A wartime historical fiction novel, this book has captivated me for years. Written as letters sent back and forth between several of the main characters, it is a unique perspective on life during the German occupation. A story of resilience, hope, creativity and love, it is a book I find myself coming back to over and over again. The movie, while slightly different in plot, is also very beautifully done, bringing a gorgeous landscape and soundtrack to the already moving story.
Older British novels
Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell. I just finished Cranford this Fall, promptly watched the BBC miniseries, and told everyone I know about this book. I’ve always been intrigued by Austen’s ability to make something magical of the mundane, and in this novel, Gaskell is able to do the same. Cranford is a town of little old ladies, stuck in the past and largely forgotten, until young Mary arrives and begins to chronicle all their funny ways. Written in little installments- as it was originally published as a serial- this book is sweet, silly, and at times, incredibly poignant. The TV miniseries is beautifully done as well (hi, Dame Judy Dench), and worthy of watching Winter evenings by the fire.
Emma by Jane Austen. Every Winter I find it in myself to re-read one (or more) work of Austen. Emma is my favorite. Emma? Really? Isn’t Emma kind of self-absorbed, prideful and immature? Yes. Yes she is. And does anything really even happen in this book besides some country dances and visits from neighbors? Nope. Not a whole lot actually happens in this story. But this my friends, is where Austen is at her very best. This novel is masterful, and especially after reading one of my other recommendations- A Jane Austen Education– you’ll be able to see why. The 2020 Emma movie is PERFECTION as well, so if you haven’t watched it, give it a go.
Fiction
I will confess that finding and reading good fiction does not come easily to me as an adult. In fact, at this point, I most often read fiction with my kids. If my husband had his way, I’d be busy reading my way through the entire Wendell Berry canon. But since I’m a rebellious type, preferring to stumble upon my own discoveries, here’s a few works of fiction I’ve found and really loved.
The Mitford Series by Jan Karon. A true testament to “Don’t judge a book by is cover,” the Mitford series is the best fiction series I have read in decades, despite it’s somewhat dated 90’s covers. I started the series a few Winters ago, when stuck in bed with Covid, and promptly finished the first four books in half that many days. The series follows a diabetic, aging Episcopalian priest- Father Tim- who is flawed, flabby and perfectly human. Inspiring, encouraging and some of the best character development I have ever read, these books are a MUST.
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot. I first fell in love with James Herriot via his Treasury for Children, which I’ve read (and listened to) endlessly with my boys. Then, the Masterpiece series came out and my husband and I relished cozying up with a cup of tea for the wholesome episodes. Now, my boys and I have begun reading the actual novel/memoir, All Creatures Great and Small, and it is even more perfect than I expected. Walking the line between fiction and non, Herriot’s writing is grounded, witty, poignant, grateful and empathetic. His depiction of life in the Dales is vivid and engaging, and I can’t wait to read all of his novels in turn.
Non-Fiction
Non-fiction is an interesting and limitless genre. A place to explore all the different things that tickle your curiosity. For my husband, that’s war history, books on the Great Depression and the American mafia. For my mom, books on Native American culture and inspiring true stories. I most often seem to land in the realm of art and literature, no surprise there. Here’s a few non-fiction works I’ve loved lately.
A Jane Austen Education by William Deresiewicz. Ever since I picked up a beautifully covered copy of Emma from Barnes and Noble in high school, I’ve been an Austen lover. But not until I read this memoir/literary criticism did I fully realize why. Deresiewicz, a NY intellectual type, details his reluctant dive into the world of Jane Austen, and how each of her six novels has shaped his life. This book is beautifully written, wonderfully insightful and purely delightful for an Austen fan.
Rembrandt is in the Wind by Russ Ramsey. This is a meaty one. Probably best read a chapter at a time. But beautifully written, interesting, eye-opening and illuminating. Ramsey examines the relationship between so many famous historical artists and their faith in this book, as well as telling the stories behind some of the their most famous works. As a girl who could easily lose herself in an art museum, this one was a fascinating read.
Farm from Home by Amanda Brooks. This book is an intersection of all the things I love- cookery, gardening, English country life, beautiful writing, and a chronicle of motherhood and family life. It has a gorgeous, restrained design, perfect photography, wry sense of humor and one of my favorite tropes: city girl meets country life. I find it endlessly inspiring and dip into it every Winter it seems.
Magazines
Last but not least, do not discount the power of a good magazine. I’ve always loved a magazine. From ear marking issues of Highlights as a kid, to now tearing pages from Period Living and The English Garden, I’m a sucker for a big, beautiful periodical. It’s why I spent all of 2021 working myself to the bone on a quarterly magazine of my own. Here’s a few of my current favorites.
Favorite magazines
Period Living Magazine. An interiors magazine devoted to restore and revived historical English properties. It’s right up my alley. Big, bright photos, great profiles and fascinating homes. This is my favorite interiors magazine, bar none, and slightly more approachable than say, Architectural Digest.
The English Home. A slightly more posh interiors mag, while not necessarily approachable, this magazine is certainly aspirational. Often featuring both homes and gardens, which I love, this publication is super well done. They do a great job of highlighting makers and artisans as well.
The English Garden. This magazine isn’t exactly a literary marvel, but it has great photos, tons of horticultural knowledge and some fun features of English gardens, big and small. It’s usually short and a quick read, with big, beautiful images, and I appreciate that quality in a magazine now and then.
Victoria Magazine. Unlike some of the other magazines, Victoria magazine is not exactly my style. It’s demographic is probably a bit older than me, and it definitely leans more towards traditional taste across the board, but I LOVE it. It always seeks to highlight beautiful places, people, homes and creations, and it brings a smile to my face every time I find it in my mailbox. It always makes me think of that verse, “Whatever is good, whatever is lovely…” I’ll never be without a Victoria magazine subscription. Being their Writer-in-Residence someday…wouldn’t that be a dream!?
Share your favorite books + magazines!
Now it’s your turn! We all need a wealth of resources to make it through the Winter months, so leave a comment below with your best recommendations. We’re counting on you!
And don’t forget to pin this image and save all of my recommendations or share them for other bookish folks to find.
Thanks for being here, and happy Winter reading!
