Cozy up with these winter reads from the shoreline

By Alicia Gomez

Seeking the perfect winter escape?

Here is a roundup of some books from our very own talented shoreline authors.

The Notes by Catherine Con Morse

(Random House Children’s Books, 2024) Genre: Young Adult Fiction

In Catherine Con Morse’s debut novel, Chinese American teen musician Claire Wu juggles academic and cultural pressure, first love, and her blooming musical career at her southern performing arts boarding school. Meanwhile, she starts getting notes about her teacher, Dr. Li, a mysterious but fascinating teacher. Morse, who lives in the Connecticut River Valley, crafts a beautiful, relatable, coming-of-age tale.

Why it’s a winter must-read:

With its themes of self-discovery, cultural identity, and young love, this introspective journey is perfect for curling up with during quieter winter days.

Look on the Bright Side by Kristan Higgins

(Penguin Publishing Group, 2024) Genre: Fiction, Romance

Fake dating is a beloved trope in romance books— who doesn’t enjoy watching real romance bloom through flirty banter and awkward situations? Look on the Bright Side puts a fresh twist on this concept. Lark Smith, whose life has gone off track, meets a renowned surgeon whose ailing grandmother wants to see him settle down. In exchange for pretending to be his girlfriend, he’ll help her get back into oncology after she was dismissed for being “too emotional.” But, as Lark grows closer to his family, especially his brother, she discovers unexpected solace. Kristan Higgins, the author, is from Durham.

Why it’s a winter must-read:

With seasonal depression affecting so many, it’s essential to focus on the bright side and try to find the humor in life’s pitfalls. This heartfelt story shows how messy detours are part of a beautiful journey.

Say Yes! to Your Creative Self by Mary O’Connor

(Three Chairs Publishing, 2024) Genre: Nonfiction, Self-Help

Have you ever thought, “I’m not creative?” Say Yes! to your Creative Self is here to prove otherwise. Mary O’Connor guides readers through the entire creative process, from preparing your mindset to exploring your senses, helping uncover hidden creative potential. O’Connor lives along the shoreline and has been a docent at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme.

Why it’s a winter must-read:

Whether your passion lies in cooking, painting, writing, knitting, or decorating, this book offers the inspiration to rekindle your hobbies and reconnect with yourself.

Husbands & Lovers by Beatriz Williams

(Random House Publishing Group, 2024) Genre: Historical Fiction

Husbands & Lovers delves into the lives of two women, separated by 70 years and thousands of miles but connected by a single heirloom.

Mystic, 2022: Single mother Mallory Dunne must confront a former lover to save her son’s life.

Cairo, 1951: Hungarian refugee Hannah Ainsworth, married to a wealthy man, finds herself entangled in an affair with a spy.

Beatriz Williams currently lives in Lyme.

Why it’s a winter must-read:

With the dual storyline, this novel brings the warmth of Mystic, a familiar coastal New England setting, while transporting readers to a distant, long-ago world.

Sleeping with Ghosts by Jennifer Payne

(Three Chairs Publishing, 2024) Genre: Poetry

Known for her work meditating on the external world, Jennifer Payne invites readers to look inward. In the wise and reflective collection, Sleeping with Ghosts, Payne creates and presents poems that reveal and introduce “ghosts,” bringing the reader “into the heart and mind of a poet.”

Payne is the owner of Words by Jen, a creative services company based in Branford. She is a member of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, the Guilford Art Center, and the New England Poetry Club.

Why it’s a winter must-read:

In its reflective tone and exploration of love, loss, and memory, this book is the perfect companion for nights when the mind wanders and the heart yearns for connection.