The 2025 Nottawa Cottage holiday gift guide: a book for every reader on your list
There is a distinct magic that settles over Nottawa when the snow starts to fall. The lights are twinkling in the store, the scent of paper and pine is in the air, and we are doing what we love most: matching the perfect story to the perfect person.
We believe that giving a book is a love language. It’s a way of saying, “I know who you are, I know how you think, and I found this just for you.”
In a world of algorithms, we prefer the personal touch. Whether you are looking for book recommendations for a lifelong reader or hunting for a specific treasure, we’ve curated our shelves with intention.
And this year, we have something truly special planned to make those gifts unforgettable. On Saturday, December 13, 2025, we will be joined by a professional calligrapher right here at the store. They will be available to write custom inscriptions in your books or on elegant bookplates, adding a timeless, personal flourish to your presents. It is the perfect way to turn a simple gift into a future heirloom. RSVP today
Here is our 2025 guide to finding the perfect reads, organized by the unique personalities in your life.
For the armchair detective
The friend who loves a stormy night, a locked room, and a plot twist they didn’t see coming.
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
This isn't just a mystery; it’s a masterpiece of atmosphere. Set between the distinct worlds of a wealthy dynasty and the blue-collar locals of a summer camp, this dual-timeline novel unravels the disappearance of a teenager—and the echo of her brother’s disappearance years prior. It is thick with secrets and perfect for anyone who wants books to read that feel as deep and dark as the forest itself.
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
From the author of The Thursday Murder Club comes a brand new series that is just as clever and twice as cozy. It features a retired cop who just wants to enjoy his quiet life and his daughter-in-law, a celebrity bodyguard who drags him into a global chase. It is witty, warm, and packed with the kind of British charm that makes for perfect holiday reading by the fire.
The Black Wolf by Louise Penny
Is it really the holidays in Canada without Inspector Gamache? While the world buzzes about the latest releases, we have this gem in stock—a high-stakes thriller that takes Gamache out of Three Pines and into a web of international intrigue. It’s comfort food for the intelligent mind, best enjoyed with a pair of our warm reading mitts.
For the little adventurers (kids & middle grade)
The busy little bees who need stories as big as their imaginations.
The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell
For the middle-grade reader who devoured Percy Jackson, this is the next great obsession. It’s a high-stakes fantasy adventure about saving dragons and a kingdom in peril. Rundell is a master storyteller, and this book is destined to be a modern classic.
The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz
This is a picture book that feels like a warm hug. It tells the story of Ember, a tiny dragon who prefers baking pastries to hoarding gold. With beautiful, glowing illustrations and a sweet message about community and sharing, it’s a perfect bedtime read for the little ones (and it might just inspire some holiday baking, too!).
Frostfire by Elly MacKay
From acclaimed Canadian artist Elly MacKay comes a picture book that literally glows. Created using her signature paper diorama photography, this story follows two sisters on a quest to find snow dragons. It is luminous, magical, and captures the specific wonder of a winter day. A truly beautiful addition to any child's library.
For the next generation (young adult)
The teen reader who is ready for complex worlds and emotional truths.
Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley
From the author of Firekeeper's Daughter comes another stunning thriller. Blending Indigenous culture with a gripping mystery, this story follows a young woman navigating family, heritage, and danger. It’s smart, fast-paced, and deeply grounded in place—perfect for a teen who wants a story with substance.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
The biggest YA release of the year is a must-have. This prequel to The Hunger Games takes readers back to the Second Quarter Quell. It is dark, thoughtful, and explores how the world of Panem came to be. If you have a teen reader, this is likely at the very top of their list.
Immortal Consequences by I.V. Marie
Welcome to Blackwood Academy, a school located on the edge of the afterlife. This dark academia fantasy is perfect for teens who love high stakes, "enemies-to-lovers" tension, and magical trials. It follows six students competing for a chance to change their fate in purgatory. It is atmospheric, moody, and impossible to put down.
For the dreamer of distant worlds
The reader who checks the map at the front of the book first and isn't afraid of a few hundred pages.
The Devils by Joe Abercrombie
Looking for a fantasy epic that doesn't require reading ten other books first? This is the one. The start of a brand new trilogy from the master of "grimdark," this novel is like Ocean’s Eleven meets Game of Thrones. It follows a motley crew of monsters—including a vampire, a werewolf, and a cursed knight—escorted by a monk on a suicide mission. It is funny, frantic, and completely fresh. Pair it with a Nottawa Cottage Tote Bag, because this hardcover is a beast!
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab
For the reader who prefers their magic a little darker, this is a lush, gothic tale spanning three centuries. Schwab deconstructs the vampire mythos, moving from Santo Domingo to London to Boston. It is beautiful, visceral, and emotionally haunting—perfect for a winter evening.
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
Imagine Sherlock Holmes, but in a world where magic works like biological engineering. This is the first book in a brilliant new series featuring an eccentric, blindfolded detective and her assistant, who has been magically altered to have a perfect memory. The mystery begins with a high official dying because a tree erupted from his chest—and it only gets stranger from there. A perfect entry point for someone who loves a good puzzle.
For the seeker of true stories
The history buff who values truth, context, and a deep dive into how the world works.
Jane Austen’s Bookshelf by Rebecca Romney
For the literary historian, this is a delight. Instead of just looking at Austen, this book explores the ecosystem of female writers who came before her and influenced her work. It’s a fascinating look at the "history of reading" itself.
Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari
From the author of Sapiens, this is the book of the moment. Harari connects the history of information networks—from the Stone Age to the AI age—to help us understand the present. If you are searching for a bookstore near me to find the title everyone will be debating at dinner parties, this is it.
Vanished Beyond the Map by Adam Shoalts
A local favourite! Adam Shoalts is the modern Canadian explorer, and in this book, he retraces the steps of a lost adventurer. It is rugged, rooted in our landscape, and filled with the spirit of the North.
For the lover of happy endings
The friend who wants wit, warmth, and the promise that everything will turn out okay.
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
Smart, funny, and swoon-worthy. Hazelwood is the queen of "STEM romance," and this latest offering dives into marine biology with her signature snappy dialogue and deeply relatable characters. It’s the perfect escape from holiday stress.
Good Spirits by B.K. Borison
Looking for the ultimate cozy holiday read? This novel is like a warm hug in book form. It follows a Ghost of Christmas Past who falls for his latest "assignment"—an antique shop owner who loves the holidays. It is funny, sweet, and perfectly festive. A guaranteed hit for anyone who loves a Hallmark movie with a magical twist.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Don't let the title fool you—while it is hilarious, it is also tender and real. Following a "roommates-to-lovers" dynamic fueled by mutual heartbreak, this book captures the messy reality of starting over. It’s a hug in book form.
For the literary connoisseur
The reader who savours every sentence and appreciates the art of writing.
James by Percival Everett
Shortlisted for the Booker Prize, this is a reimagining of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s perspective. It is brilliant, biting, and linguistically genius. It challenges the classics while paying homage to them. A truly prestigious gift for the serious reader.
North Woods by Daniel Mason
A novel about a single plot of land in Massachusetts over 400 years. The prose style shifts to match the era of each chapter, creating a dazzling display of literary talent. It’s a ghost story, a nature story, and a history lesson all in one.
Helm by Sarah Hall
A breathtaking novel about the raw power of nature. Named after the ferocious wind that blows through the Eden Valley, this story spans from the Neolithic age to the Victorian era and into the future. It is a tale of folklore, weather, and the connection between humanity and the land. For the reader who loves their fantasy grounded in the elemental and the wild, this is a masterpiece.
For the empathic reader
The empath who loves memoirs, Oprah’s picks, and the human experience.
Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre
A powerful document of truth. This memoir is a harrowing but necessary account of survival and the fight for justice. It is a gift for the reader who values courage and witnessing the stories of others.
The Tell by Amy Griffin
An Oprah’s Book Club selection, which is the gold standard for memoirs that touch the heart. Expect family secrets, resilience, and deep emotional resonance.
Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams
A biting, brilliant memoir about power, greed, and lost idealism. This is a "scammer season" story that explores the collapse of a high-society world. It’s perfect for the reader who is fascinated by the rich and terrible, offering a mix of schadenfreude and deep personal reflection.
The gift of choice
Sometimes, the best gift is the joy of browsing. If you’d rather let your loved one discover their own magic, pick up a Nottawa Cottage Bookstore Gift Card. It’s the perfect way to let them wander our shelves (virtually or in person) and choose the world they want to visit next.
Visit us at the cottage
Whether you are looking for the latest bestsellers or hidden gems, we are here to help you find the books near me that you’ve been searching for.
Pop into Nottawa Cottage Bookstore, warm up by the fire, and let’s find the perfect stories to place under your tree. Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 13th—we can't wait to see what beautiful inscriptions you choose!
Happy Holidays & Happy Reading,
— The Nottawa Cottage Bookstore Team