Autumn Reading List: 10 Cozy Fall Books to Curl Up With
As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves turn golden, there’s no better time to indulge in a good book. Whether you’re sipping on a pumpkin spice latte or wrapped in a cozy blanket, these ten cozy fall books offer the perfect escape into heartwarming stories, enchanting settings, and a touch of magic. Some are new, others are golden oldies!
5 Elements That Make a Book Perfect for Fall Reading
What makes a book perfect for fall? Here’s a list of things I look for!
- Stories set in small towns, cozy cafés, or mysterious estates evoke the charm of fall.
- Autumn symbolizes transformation, making books that explore personal growth or new beginnings resonate during this season.
- Narratives that offer comfort, hope, and warmth mirror the coziness of fall.
- Incorporating magic, fantasy, or lighthearted romance adds a touch of enchantment to autumn reading.
- Subtle suspense or eerie settings align with the crisp, mysterious nights of fall.
Autumn Reading List: Cozy Novels for Moms to Curl Up With
1. The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore
Set in the charming town of Dream Harbor, this novel follows the journey of Annie as she opens a café that becomes the heart of the community. With a sprinkle of romance and a dash of autumn charm, it’s a delightful read for the season. Just take a look at the beautiful cover! Doesn’t it look all cozy and Fallish?
2. The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore by Laurie Gilmore
Continuing the Dream Harbor series, this book introduces readers to a quaint bookstore run by a warm-hearted widow. As she navigates life and love, the story unfolds with cozy vibes and heartfelt moments.
3. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
A heartwarming tale of a solitary witch who is invited to teach magic to three young witches. Set in a secluded house, the novel blends magic, found family, and autumnal charm.
4. Carbonel by Barbara Sleigh
Oh how I loved this book as a child, and I still do! There’s something magical about Carbonel and the way Barbara Sleigh tells her enchanting tale of Carbonel, the King of the Cats, cursed by a wicked witch and unable to reclaim his throne without help. Carbonel is a delightful read that combines elements of magic and reality, making it a perfect choice for cozy autumn reading.
5. Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World
Dewey is the heartwarming true story of Dewey Readmore Books, a kitten abandoned in the book return slot of the Spencer Public Library on a frigid winter night. Rescued by librarian Vicki Myron, Dewey grew to become the beloved feline mascot of the library, touching the lives of countless visitors with his warmth and charm. With its themes of community, resilience, and the comforting presence of a pet, Dewey is a perfect Fall read.
6. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
A heartwarming fantasy about a government worker who is assigned to oversee a group of magical children. The novel is filled with warmth, acceptance, and a touch of whimsy, making it a cozy fall read.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Little Women follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood. Amidst the hardships brought on by their father’s absence during the war, the sisters learn valuable lessons about love, ambition, independence, and the importance of family bonds. The novel’s warm depiction of domestic life, cozy family moments, and seasonal celebrations make it an enduring favorite, especially suited for curling up with a blanket on crisp autumn evenings
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Anne of Green Gables tells the story of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan who is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, a brother and sister who had intended to adopt a boy to help on their farm. Anne’s vibrant personality, curiosity, and occasional mishaps bring both chaos and joy to Green Gables, transforming the lives of those around her. Filled with charming descriptions of rural life, changing seasons, and cozy village scenes, this classic novel captures the warmth and wonder of childhood. Its nostalgic and comforting atmosphere makes it an ideal read for crisp autumn evenings
9. Sewn With Joy – Tricia Goyer & Sherry Gore
In this heartwarming Amish romance, Joy Miller finds her passion for sewing tested when a television crew arrives in her small community. As her handcrafted dresses draw unexpected attention, Joy must navigate the tension between tradition and modern life. Sewn With Joy is a gentle story about family, faith, and finding love in the midst of change — the perfect cozy read for a crisp autumn afternoon.You can find my review of this over here.
10. Crooked House by Agatha Christie
In Crooked House, Charles Hayward investigates the murder of wealthy patriarch Aristide Leonides, whose death shakes his eccentric family living in a sprawling English estate. Each family member harbors secrets and hidden motives, creating a tense, suspenseful atmosphere.
With autumnal imagery—misty gardens, fading sunlight, and the cozy yet eerie interiors of the estate—the novel evokes the perfect fall mood. Christie’s masterful plotting, combined with the chilling family intrigue, makes this book a gripping and atmospheric read for crisp autumn evenings.
Fall books: summing up
Embrace the cozy vibes of autumn with these delightful reads. Whether you’re a mom seeking a moment of escape or simply in the mood for a heartwarming story, these books offer the perfect companion for the season.
And is it just me, or do cats feature a lot in Fall books?
What are your favorite fall books and why?
I know some of the books on your lists, but of course had to put “Carbonel” on my list now. My cats approve (although my younger one thinks that he is definitely the Prince of Cats).
Thank you for sharing!
Visiting from “A Good Book & A Cup of Tea”
Cat
Carbonel is such a great book. Maybe you can even read it to your cats : )
I hadn’t seen your reply because I forgot where I got the recommendation from (thanks again and I’ll add your link to my blog post now) and found it again thanks to your comment.
Had you seen I actually did read it to my cats? 😀
Yes I did Cat! I love that!
This looks like a good selection, although I must admit I never do seasonal reading.
I read a lot of Agatha Christie when I was a kid and also read Little Women and Anne of Green Gables then. I also read Anne of Green Gables with my daughter a few years ago and loved it just as much second time around.
Popping over from Book Worms Monthly.
Thank you for linking up to the A Good Book and A Cup of Tea link up.
There are some great books on this list.
I am going to hold Little Women to read again this winter. I read it the winter before last and parts of it last winter and it was very comforting during that time.
I’ve heard the first two have a bit of sex but maybe I have the wrong books. Either way their covers are very cute and cozy!
I have cozy mysteries on my list this year. Very simple,, very light, but currently very needed.
These are concerning times indeed. Something light and simple can be just the thing.
The title and cover of Pumpkin Spice Cafe look very promising for autumn! And Anne of Green Gables is a book perfect for any season.