While every avid reader likes to stay up to date with literature and keep their home library fully stocked with the latest insightful tomes, it never hurts to indulge in some light reading. Luckily, chick lit can satisfy your desire for tales of carefree romance, deep friendship and intrigue. Whether you want to pick up the latest Danielle Steel tome or escape into the pages of a sultry romance, here are our favourite new chick lit novels to read this winter.

Blue: A Novel by Danielle Steel, Delacorte Press: Released on January 19, this novel introduces readers to protagonist Ginny Carter. Although Ginny once had the perfect life as a rising TV news star, a mother and the wife of an anchorman, her fate quickly changed in a tragic accident. A year after her life changes, Ginny meets a 13-year-old homeless boy named Blue Williams. The two quickly form a heartwarming and unexpected friendship.

First Touch: A Novel (A First and Last Novel) by Laurelin Paige, St. Martin’s Griffin: In First Touch, main character Emily Wayborn has parted ways with her previous disastrous relationships and evolved from her party girl lifestyle. However, when her old best friend Amber contacts her mysteriously one day, Emily must rescue her. Along the way, she also meets a handsome yet dangerous hotelier named Reeve Sallis.

With This Ring?: A Novella Collection of Proposals Gone Awry by Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings and Melissa Jagears, Bethany House Publishers: This collaborative effort from four historical romance novelists is a volume of multiple short stories, all based on romance and humour. The stories range from the adventure of Marietta Hawkins, who pursues the ranch foreman she is in love with, to the tale of a woman who is rescued from an arranged marriage by a Texan ranger.

Perfect Touch by Elizabeth Lowell, Avon: This romantic suspense read just came out on January 26, and features the story of art dealer and design studio owner Sara Medina. Sara’s studio is named Perfect Touch, which explains the title of the book. With her powerful career and fast-paced San Francisco lifestyle, Sara is far too busy for romance. However, she is instantly attracted to Jay Vermillion, who has inherited his father’s expensive ranch and needs Sara’s help with dealing with the artwork. After Sara is killed by a murderer, Jay must fight for justice and for love.

Photos: Amazon