My favorite books to warm your heart on a cold winter’s night

Why am I passionate about this?

As well as being an author of romance and an upcoming thriller, I am an avid reader. I’ve been passionate about books since I was a little girl, and I read a ton every year…often reading several at any given time. Books are my favorite pastime and my favorite subject to talk about, hands down. I did a podcast for several years—Living in the Pages—where I talked to authors from all over the world about their books and their process in writing. My TBR (to-be-read) list is never-ending.


I wrote...

Book cover of True Love Story

What is my book about?

Growing up in an idealistic home, Sparrow Fisher is sheltered and innocent. When she meets Ian Sterling, a musician who is rising in popularity, she instantly falls for his charm. The attraction is instant, but their relationship isn't so simple.

True Love Story is a story about the real highs and lows that come with a relationship—happiness, pain, angst—and finding out if love really is enough.

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The books I picked & why

Book cover of Frayed

Willow Aster Why did I love this book?

Frayed is the first book in the standalone series, Willow Springs. It’s such a heartwarming story, as is every book in the series. It’s about young love, breaking away from people trying to hold you back, and will have you teary one minute and laughing the next. If you love romance and shows like Friday Night Lights, you’ll enjoy this book!

By Laura Pavlov,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Frayed as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Bad boy football star. Innocent girl next door. Two different worlds. One small town. A million reasons why they should have stayed away from one another.

“My new favorite Laura Pavlov book. It felt like watching the show Friday Night Lights only better.” Willow Aster, USA Today Bestselling Author

My name is Adelaide Edington, and my life was mapped out for me before I even entered the world.
Who I'd date, where I’d attend college, what I'd be when I grew up.
But there comes a time in everyone's life when they face a fork in the road.
Should I…


Book cover of Reckless Memories

Willow Aster Why did I love this book?

Reckless Memories is the first book in the standalone Wrecked series. Ford and Bell will capture your heart with their second chance at love. There’s angst and tension and a swoon-worthy love story brewing amidst suspenseful moments. If you love a good romance with Nora Roberts’ feels, you’ll enjoy this story!

By Catherine Cowles,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Reckless Memories as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

I loved him before I knew what the word meant. From skinned knees to first dates and everything in between. But he was never mine to love.I settled for friendship, even though I always wanted more.That was before. Before he ripped my world apart and didn’t bother sticking around to help me pick up the pieces. I knit every last shred back together all on my own. And I’ve all but forgotten his name.Now, he’s back, and everything is torn apart once more. But he’s not the only one doing the tearing this time. And there might be no stopping…


Book cover of The Last Thing He Told Me

Willow Aster Why did I love this book?

Full of suspense and can’t-put-down moments, at the heart of this book is a love story. And not just romantic love, although that’s in the pages too, but of a love developing between a mom and her stepdaughter. Willing to risk everything to keep her stepdaughter safe, Hannah gets to the bottom of the truth and does whatever it takes to be Bailey’s protector.

By Laura Dave,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked The Last Thing He Told Me as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

* SOON TO BE A MAJOR TV SERIES STARRING JULIA ROBERTS *

'Brilliant. Pacy tense and twisty' - LISA HALL

'I adored this beautifully written thriller' - JO SPAIN

IT WAS THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME: PROTECT HER

Before Owen Michaels disappears, he manages to smuggle a note to his new wife, Hannah: protect her. Hannah knows exactly who Owen needs her to protect - his sixteen-year-old daughter, Bailey, who lost her mother tragically as a child. And who wants absolutely nothing to do with her new stepmother.

As her increasingly desperate calls to Owen go unanswered, his boss…


Book cover of Mother May I

Willow Aster Why did I love this book?

I could not put this book down. Full of suspense from start to finish, I was so invested in this story! Bree grew up poor but now she’s a married mom who has everything she’s ever wanted. When someone shows up threatening to take it all away, Bree is faced with the battle of her life. It’s hard to know who to trust, but she finds she’s willing to do whatever it takes to protect those she loves. 

By Joshilyn Jackson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mother May I as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Brilliantly unnerving ... expertly crafted' Sunday Times, Thriller of the Month 'Jackson raises the stakes again and again' Guardian 'Finely paced, shrewdly observed ... Mother May I is a thinking (and feeling) reader's thriller' Wall Street Journal It's every mother's worst nightmare. 'If you ever want to see your baby again, GO HOME. Tell no one. Do not call the police. Do not call your husband. Be at your house by 5:15 PM. Or he's gone for good...' To get her son back alive, Bree must complete one small but critical task. It seems harmless enough, but this one action…


Book cover of Fake

Willow Aster Why did I love this book?

When an A-list actor gets called out in the press for bad behavior, he needs a little help with his reputation and enlists the waitress at his favorite restaurant to help him out. This story has laugh-out-loud moments, as well as sexy, swoony scenes that will leave your heart pounding. The chemistry between Patrick and Norah is sizzling. For a lighthearted sexy read, this is such a great choice!

By Kylie Scott,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Fake as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The newest romance from New York Times bestselling, Audie Award winning author Kylie Scott!

He walks the red carpet. She’s more familiar with vacuuming one.

When a scandal tarnishes the reputation of hot as hell A-lister, Patrick Walsh, he needs a reputation rescue, pronto.

Enter waitress Norah Peers–a nobody who’s average with a capital A. She’s available, dependable, and has sworn off men for the rest of her natural born life. In other words: the perfect match for a no-strings fake romance.

For the right amount of money, she can avoid waitressing and play the part of his dependable down-to-earth…


You might also like...

Shadow of the Hidden

By Kev Harrison,

Book cover of Shadow of the Hidden

Kev Harrison Author Of Below

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Storyteller Traveller Horror addict Reader

Kev's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

It’s Seb’s last day working in Turkey, but his friend Oz has been cursed. Superstition turns to terror as the effects of the ancient malediction spill over, and the lives of Oz and his family hang in the balance. Can Seb find the answers to remove the hex before it’s too late?

Journey with Seb, Oz, and Deniz across ancient North African cities as they seek to banish the Shadow of the Hidden.

Shadow of the Hidden

By Kev Harrison,

What is this book about?

It’s Seb’s last day working in Turkey, but his friend Oz has been cursed. Superstition turns to terror as the effects of the ancient malediction spill over and the lives of Oz and his family hang in the balance. Can Seb find the answers to remove the hex before it’s too late?

From Kev Harrison, author of The Balance and Below, journey with Seb, Oz and Deniz across ancient North African cities as they seek to banish the Shadow of the Hidden.


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in the upper class, murder, and murder mystery?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about the upper class, murder, and murder mystery.

The Upper Class Explore 80 books about the upper class
Murder Explore 915 books about murder
Murder Mystery Explore 479 books about murder mystery