Light the candles/twinkle lights, gather all the warm blankets, grab a cup of whatever you fancy, and let’s read some cozy stories. A lot of people don’t let the early darkness, but if I am being honest, I look forward to it once I get adjusted. There is something magical about cold weather sunsets and the ritual of turning on pockets of light around the house. I love the calm (as calm as I can be with two young children) that the darkness brings. And with the right sorts of books, you really have something to look forward to.
I am very much a mood / seasonal reader and like to curate my TBR list with that in mind. I will add whatever new releases I am looking forward to with the addition of some cozy/witchy/eerie backlist books.
So today, enjoy the list of books I have pulled together to help you pull together your own fall reading list, as well as books that are on mine for the season. Happy reading, friends. x
FOR YOUR FALL READING PLEASURE
1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – Moody, atmospheric, dark, dangerous, and romantic. It’s everything rolled into one. Go into this one blind. I really enjoyed the lush writing style.
2. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna – Super 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.
3. Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber – Who here also enjoys a well-done magical realism novel? Small-town charm felt like Gilmore Girls and I appreciated the cozy factor from the cafe setting.
4. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – A classic for good reason. This book feels like a warm hug, following the lives of four little women surviving during the Civil War. It is heartwarming and, I believe, perfect for fall and winter.
5. Cosy by Laura Weir – Here’s a non-fiction for any of you that enjoy books of this sort. This little book brought such a great reminder to just how cozy your life can and should be. It was uplifting and made me appreciate the slower, mundane days.
6. The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking – Another non-fiction that helped me to overcome seasonal depression in the past. It made me appreciate the small and simple things that the dark and cold months bring. I am very much in my hygge era and glad for it. I loved it so much, I bought it for my coffee table.
7. An Everlasting Meal by Tamar Adler – One last non-fiction to bring to the table. Wow, this one not only made my mouth water, but was full of wisdom and insight to bring into my own kitchen and cooking habits. The writing was very warm and because of that, it has stuck with me for years.
8. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab – The next few books are magical realism, one of my favorite genres. I talk about this one the most because it is one of my favorite books of all time. A young woman makes a bargain to live forever but is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. This story is hauntingly beautiful.
9. The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young – Disappearances, small town vibes, curses, romance, and magical elements. This one kept me turning the pages late in the night.
10. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross – If you want to dip your toes into magical realism, I think this duet is a great place to start. It is a blend of magic, historical fiction, and romantasy all in one. The pace is great and it is very easy to read. Two rival journalists are connected in a way they never expected and come face-to-face with love and war together. The writing was exquisite.
11. Lovelight Farms series by B.K. Borison – This whole series is so wholesome and romantic and fun. They really are the perfect feel-good, cozy books. They take place on a tree farm and bring all the hygge.
12. 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.
13. The City Bakers Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller – This book gives me Gilmore Girl feels and I am always here for that, especially in the fall! If one of the main characters is a baker/owns a bakery, I am almost always IN. There’s a great cast of quirky characters and an apple pie contest… need I say more.
14. Kingdom of the Wicked series by Kerri Maniscalco – If you want a fantasy that is sexy, mysterious, and takes place in Italy… this is for you. The food descriptions alone are *chef’s kiss.* Witches and princes of hell… moody and broody and perfect for this time of year.
15. Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune – Death comes for us all, and the reaper has come to collect our MC. But he never expected to feel alive in death. This story is BEAUTIFUL!! It has stuck with me for many years.
WHAT’S ON MY LIST
1. Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree – I have heard nothing but good things! This is a departure from my usual book choice, but I am looking forward to something completely new. It feels like it’s made for October.
2. Throne of Secrets by Kerri Maniscalco – God, do I love these princes of sin. This is a follow-up to the Kingdom of the Wicked series as well as Throne of the Fallen. If you haven’t read those, I would before starting this. They are all perfect for this time of year.
3. A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna – I had so much fun with Sangu’s Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, so I am looking forward to jumping back into her writing with this next one.
4. A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden – Because I am always chasing that ACOTAR high, this romantasy is often recommended and I am putting it at the top of my autumn TBR. Let me know if you’ve read it!
5. Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune – This is one of my most anticipated reads of the year. It is the sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea. I can’t wait to settle back into this world that TJ Klune has created.
