Winter has arrived! Some areas are already experiencing winter storms. People in the South have unpacked their winter coats – just in case it gets below 50 degrees. Those of us in the North and the Midwest are getting out our snow shovels and hauling home those giant bags of “Snow Melter” – just in case.

Hopefully, you remembered to get the pet-friendly kind. What would we do on those long winter days and nights ahead if we didn’t have books? Here are our reading recommendations for January 2024. Enjoy!

Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan – Based on a true story about a forgotten hero. Pino Lella is a typical Italian teenager. He wants nothing to do with the war or Adolph Hitler, yet he is pulled into the war after his home in Milan is destroyed. Pino joins the underground movement in Italy to help Jews escape across the Alps. To protect himself from suspicion, Pino reluctantly agrees to join the German army. When he’s assigned to be the driver to one of Hitler’s “left hand” in Italy, Pino realizes he has access to top secret information that can help the Allies. How long will Pino be able to avoid detection?

The Book of Unusual Knowledge by Publications International, Ltd. The ultimate book of trivia  - discover the answers to questions you didn’t even think to ask. Subjects include history, arts and literature, films and TV, American landmarks, science, animals, and even the supernatural.

The Book of Dust (Volume 1) by Philip Pullman – Pullman returns to the parallel world of His Dark Materials (now an HBO original series) to continue the story of Lyra. Malcolm discovers a mysterious object at the Inn run by his parents. Inside the object is a cryptic message about something called, “dust.” When he’s approached by the spy the message was intended for, Malcolm gets caught in a dangerous web of intrigue trying to protect a mysterious baby known as Lyra whom he has never met.

Mythos: The Greek Myths Reimagined by Stephen Fry – Legendary actor, author and comedian, Stephen Fry breathes new life and a healthy dose of humor into traditional Greek myths without changing any of the original wonder of these tales.

1,000+ Sudoku Puzzles for Adults by Nova Publishing XR – hours and hours of healthy and fun mental activity to keep your brain sharp. Can you find the correct patterns of numbers for each column and row?

One of Us is Lying (Book 1 of 3) by Karen M. McManus – Five high school students, Bronwyn, Nate, Addy Cooper, and Simon have little in common except the class they share. When Simon invents a gossip app, the secrets he uncovers will cost him his life. Who has a secret worth killing for? Now streaming on Peacock, but read the book, because it’s always better!

If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin- Autumn and Finn were inseparable… until they weren’t. Now they avoid each other at all costs. Autumn has a boyfriend and a busy social life. Finn is the boy no one dares approach. Why is it that Autumn still feels a certain way when she sees Finn and her mind wanders to thoughts of what might have been if she and Finn hadn’t parted ways? Is there a way back?

The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes – Maya and her friend Aubrey were vying for the affections of a mysterious man named Frank. While at Frank’s cabin Aubrey mysteriously drops dead right in front of her eyes. No one knows why. It’s a medical mystery for the ages. Maya turns to medications in order to escape what she saw that day. Seven years later, she’s in a stable relationship trying to kick her secret addiction when she sees a YouTube video of a women who suddenly drops dead in a diner while sitting across from Frank. Flashes of memory start coming back, but what happened during the huge gaps she can’t recall? She returns home determined to face the past and learn what really happened to Aubrey. Can she unravel the mystery, or will she be next to die?

Exceptionally Bad Dad Jokes by Spiffy McChappy  - Who doesn’t love a good dad Joke? Did your dad love to tell dad jokes? Does your partner or your brother make all the kids laugh and groan with their corny jokes? Sit back, relax and laugh, or refill your arsenal of jokes with these family friendly jokes.

Modern Comfort Food: a Barefoot Contessa Cookbook By Ina Garten – 85 new recipes you can make with or for your family. Who doesn’t appreciate a new twist on comfort food, plus a few of Garten’s childhood favorites?