Hi friends! I woke up so happy knowing that this post was on my to-do list today because I am absolutely smitten with wholesome and cozy books as of late. I mean, I always enjoy a good cozy romance but lately they feel like a necessity for my mental state more than anything else. As September slips into October, now is the time to gather up all the small-town romance books. They are fluffy and light, but sometimes, that’s exactly what we need. I am not looking for anything groundbreaking or something that is going to make me think. I just want an easy, warm, and comforting world to wander into at the end of a long day. Light a candle, grab a fuzzy blanket, and get lost in a Gilmore Girls-kinda world.
Half of these are new to me and the other half I whole-heartedly enjoyed and recommend for peak autumnal comfort and enjoyment. I hope you find your next read here. x
The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore ~ I will continue to scream from the rooftops over how enjoyable the Dream Harbor series is if you like top tier autumn vibes. The stories are sweet, characters are charming, setting is unbelievably comforting – there’s not much else I am asking for in a cozy romance. This is a grumpy x sunshine situation and brings all the autumn bliss.
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore ~ And a second Dream Harbor book featuring an introverted FMC and golden retriever MMC. This one is extra cozy because the book shop is a major setting and that alone is a selling point.
The Cinnamon Spice Inn by Harper Graham~ This is a new-to-me book and author that looks like it’ll be similar to the Laurie Gilmore books. I am always chasing that vibe so I hope this one is just as lovely. This takes place in Maple Falls centered around two exes who come back together in their small town. I always love a second-chance romance.
The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn by Valerie Bowman ~ There’s an orchard, a harvest festival… I am ready to get to known this small town. The cover alone has me swooning.
If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia ~ New book and author to me but the cover… I actually gasped. It’s Stars Hollow coded and I hardly know what this one is about but it is on hold at my library! It is a friends-to-lovers that happens after a divorce, which tells me these characters are probably more my own age and I truly appreciate that.
Falling Like Leaves by Misty Wilson ~ But YA teen romances are good in my book, too! This one is described as Gilmore Girls meets Jenny Han (!!!) and that is all I need to know. It takes place in Connecticut, so we are getting New England charm with this one.
Crazy Spooky Love by Josie Silver ~ I am a big fan of Josie Silver books (One Night in December is one of my favorites) but this is her first go at an autumnal book and I am sooo intrigued. It’s a paranormal romance (!!) with a Girls Ghostbusting Agency. Give me this now.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna ~ This is a light and fun witchy book! Our FMC is tasked with training three young witches to control their magic. Add in a handsome, brooding, prickly librarian MMC and things get really interesting.
Perfectly Wicked by Lindsay Lovise ~ I enjoyed this one way more than I thought going in. A magical realism story that takes place at an apple orchard and features ghost hunters. It is perfection. The enemies-to-lovers romance was done well.
Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood ~ A slow burn romance featuring a witch and a watchman (who’s goal is to protect her). As if I don’t already love it based on that trope alone.
Business Casual by B.K. Borison ~ I have loved all the Lovelight Farm books so much but this one in particular takes place in autumn and the story was very charming. These two try for a no-strings-attached relationship but we all know, that’s not gonna happen. Another wonderfully crafted small town that makes you feel like you are a part of it.
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen – This magical realism story features a feisty apple tree, sisters, baked goods, a good dose of family drama and even more heart. It is captivating, easy, and cozy.
