The Best Cozy Books to Read in Fall & Autumn
As I’ve gotten older, Fall has become my favorite seasons of the year. The weather starts getting colder and there’s so much to look forward to. I love getting to wear my sweaters and cooking soup in the instant pot. But more importantly, I love curling up on the couch with a blanket and my dog, as I dive into one of my many favorite cozy books.
In today’s blog post I’m going to be sharing my full criteria for what makes a cozy book, as well as a list of recommendations (and some of my own Fall reading list). So keep reading for my full list of cozy books to read in Fall.
And if you enjoyed this post, you can read more about the cozy lifestyle here.
What Makes a Book Cozy?
That is an excellent question. To me, a cozy read is perfect for the fall season. Whether it’s a cozy mystery or a romance set in a small town, it’s a book that I want to read while wrapped up in a warm blanket or a cozy sweater. It doesn’t even have to be a chilly day… sometimes it’s just nice to be under a cozy blanket to enjoy your story.
What Genres Make for the Best Fall Books?
Personally, I look for stories with a couple of different elements when I’m looking for the perfect book to read in Fall.
- Stories that take place in small towns (think Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls)
- Books with Fall Vibes (that either take place in Fall or maybe even at Halloween time)
- A seasonal murder mystery or two (I actually created a list of my favorite cozies for this time of year if you want to check it out)
- Books with a touch of magic
- A romance novel with a sweet main couple/slow burn love story
Cozy Books to Read in Fall
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangdu Mandanna
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna follows Mika Moon, a lonely young witch who hides her magic due to society’s rules. She’s unexpectedly invited to teach three young witches at a remote house, where she discovers a found family among the eccentric residents. As she grows closer to them, especially the grumpy librarian Jamie, Mika learns to embrace love, connection, and her own magical identity while helping the young witches control their powers and protecting them from outside threats.
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
The Spellshop is Sarah Beth Durst’s romantasy debut. It tells the story of Kiela, a librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium, and her assistant, Caz—a magically sentient spider plant. They’re in for a big change when a revolution begins. The library goes up in flames and they have to flee, while also carrying out as many spellbooks as they can carry. With nowhere to go, they head to Kiela’s childhood home. As Kiela tries to get adjusted she starts making jam for the local bakery as a way to make money. This story features magical creatures, secret spells, and cute small town vibe.
The Story Collector by Evie Woods
The Story Collector by Evie Woods centers on a woman named Lily, who inherits a mysterious old bookstore in Dublin from her late aunt. As Lily explores the shop, she discovers a hidden collection of letters and forgotten stories, uncovering a history filled with love, secrets, and magic. The novel weaves together multiple timelines, revealing how the stories of the past connect with the present and impact Lily’s own life. Ultimately, it’s a heartwarming tale about the power of stories, the importance of community, and the journey of healing and self-discovery.
The Honey Witch by Sydney Shields
The Honey Witch tells the story of a young woman named Marigold who is whisked off to the island of Innisfree to be trained as The Honey Witch. That sounds fine to her. But there’s a catch. No one can call in love with The Honeywitch.
Meanwhile, another young woman who doesn’t believe in magic comes to the island. Her name is Lottie and Marigold sees her as a challenge. She wants to prove to her that magic is real. But as the two get to know each other better, they must face the consequences of all the things that magic can do. And Marigold has to fight for everything that she has.
The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller
The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller follows Olivia Rawlings, a pastry chef who escapes her chaotic life in Boston after a flambéed dessert mishap. She retreats to the small town of Guthrie, Vermont, where she takes a job at a cozy inn owned by the kindhearted Margaret Hurley. As Olivia adjusts to small-town life, she forms unexpected friendships, enters a local apple pie contest, and navigates a budding romance with a local fiddle player. Through her experiences, Olivia finds a sense of belonging, learning about the value of community, love, and finding a place to truly call home.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett tells the story of Lara, who reflects on her past during the COVID-19 pandemic while spending time with her three adult daughters on their family’s Michigan farm. As she recounts her youth, particularly a love affair with a famous actor named Peter Duke during a summer spent in the theater at Tom Lake, her daughters become engrossed in learning more about their mother’s life before them. The novel alternates between past and present, exploring themes of love, choice, and the ways memories shape us. Lara’s recollections reveal the complexities of relationships, missed opportunities, and the paths not taken. Ultimately, the story delves into how people find meaning in ordinary life, accepting the trade-offs between what might have been and what is.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery follows a young girl named Anne Shirley. She’s an imaginative and spirited orphan, who is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, siblings who intended to adopt a boy to help on their farm in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. Despite initial doubts, Anne’s charm and vibrant personality win over the Cuthberts and the tight-knit community of their small town. Anne’s adventures are often marked by her vivid imagination, stubbornness, and heartfelt attempts to belong. Over time, she matures, finding her place in Avonlea while staying true to her creative spirit and optimistic outlook.
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
Lucy Hart had an unfortunate upbringing. She knows what it’s like to not have parents that loved her. But as an adult, she takes great pleasure in her job as a teacher’s aide. She feels a special bond toward a student who is living the same situation that she once did. She wants to adopt him, but doesn’t have the funds or the stability.
When the author of her favorite book series announces that he’s writing another book in the series, Lucy is excited. But then he announces that he’s holding a contest at his home to win the one and only copy of the book. And Lucy winds up being one of the contestants. This could be exactly what Lucy and Christopher need, if everything works out. But the famous author Jack Masterson that Lucy has been such a supporter of has quite a few tricks up his sleeve.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett is a multigenerational novel about siblings Danny and Maeve Conroy, who grow up in a grand house near Philadelphia. After being forced out by their stepmother, the siblings develop an unbreakable bond, frequently revisiting the house in memory as they try to make sense of their past. The novel explores themes of family, forgiveness, and the inescapable pull of the past as Danny and Maeve grapple with their shared history and what the house symbolizes in their lives.
Bliss by Kathryn Littlewood
Bliss tells the story of Rosemary Bliss, who has a secret. She has a book of enchanted recipes that they use at their family’s bakery. And while their parents are out of town, Rosemary and her siblings are supposed to keep the book locked up so that nothing can happen to it. When their fun aunt comes to town, they decide to fool around with the book a little bit. Why make boring non-magical recipes when they have the book right there, just begging to be used? How much trouble could they get in?
The Wild Lavender Bookshop by Jodi Thomas
In The Wild Lavender Bookshop you’ll find family drama, but the best kind. Cora Lee and her sister Katherine meet at the bookshop every week to catch up and spend time together. They’ve decided that they want to help their father find love. But he may not need their help after all. Meanwhile, Cora Lee is enjoying being in love for the first time while Katherine is on the lookout for her next husband. Filled with new characters, small town charm, and country living, now would be the perfect time to dive into this cozy romance series by Jodi Thomas.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—growing up in Civil War-era New England. The story highlights their journey from childhood to adulthood, exploring themes of love, family, and self-discovery. Each sister faces personal struggles: Jo wrestles with her independent spirit and writing ambitions, Meg longs for a conventional domestic life, Beth battles illness, and Amy seeks artistic success. As they navigate challenges like financial hardships and personal losses, their bond as a family remains central. Ultimately, they learn the value of love, resilience, and pursuing dreams, despite the constraints of their time and circumstances.
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen centers around the lives of the Bennet family, particularly Elizabeth Bennet, as they navigate societal pressures, romance, and misunderstandings in early 19th-century England. Elizabeth initially clashes with the aloof and wealthy Mr. Darcy, perceiving him as arrogant, while he secretly grows fond of her. As the story unfolds, both characters confront their own flaws: Elizabeth’s quick judgments and Darcy’s pride. Through a series of events, misunderstandings are cleared, and they come to appreciate each other’s true character. The novel concludes with Elizabeth and Darcy overcoming their differences and getting married, while the other characters’ romantic fates are resolved.
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling follows the journey of Harry Potter, a young wizard, as he discovers his magical heritage and confronts the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. Harry, along with his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, navigates life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry while unraveling mysteries connected to his past and Voldemort’s rise to power. As Voldemort regains strength, Harry and his allies face increasing danger, leading to an epic battle between good and evil. Central to the story are themes of friendship, loyalty, sacrifice, and the struggle against prejudice. Harry and his friends work hard to try to defeat the dark forces, all while learning along the way.
The Modern Girl’s Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall
The Modern Girl’s Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall tells the story of someone who is still trying to figure out their magic. She sets a list of rules for herself which includes staying away from magic. But of course, she’ll break those rules if it means helping to save her family’s magical potion shop. She’ll have to enter a high stakes competition in order to do so, but it will all work out in the end. Right?
In Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed today’s blog post about Cozy Books to Read in Fall. While sometimes I’m looking for a spooky read leading up to Halloween, I love to settle in with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book for the Autumn season. And these cozy fall books are the perfect choice and are jumping to the top of my list.
If you enjoyed today’s blog post, you can check out more book lists here. And read more about cozy living here!
