It’s finally the best season, when days get shorter, the air gets crisper, and memories are made at the pumpkin patch. Autumn is also the season when reading thrives, and it’s socially acceptable to snuggle up with a good book for hours. These hand-curated picks exude a quintessential pumpkin spice vibe, complete with red flannel-patterned blankets and candles. Whether you’re sipping cider, baking apple pie, or embracing the autumn vibes, this list is your guide to making the season even more magical.
If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
Michelle finds unexpected love when she becomes newly divorced and agrees to take over her family’s inn. When she meets her new neighbor, Cliff, a single dad, he offers his help with the inn, and their friendship develops into something more. This story is a celebration of ’90s nostalgia and the black cat x golden retriever trope we all love.
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Gilmore Laurie
This cozy romance novel follows Jeanie, who quits her corporate job to take over her aunt’s coffee shop. Inspired by Gilmore Girls, she meets Logan, and their initial friction soon turns into something more as they navigate small-town hijinks and a saboteur trying to drive Jeanie out. Jeanie must face her feelings head-on as she finds a place in her life.
Just Don’t Fall by Emma St. Clair
Full of fake dating and brother’s best friend tropes, this closed-door hockey romance is the perfect read for sports romance fans. When Logan returns to Harvest Hollow with bad press and an injury, it’s up to Parker to get him to show face on social media. It should be simple enough, but Parker’s heart is reigniting the old crush she used to have on Logan. It all starts to become something more than hockey when Logan accidentally becomes Parker’s fake boyfriend.
Picture Perfect Autumn by Shelley Noble
Dani is loving every minute of her life as a photographer, but when she stumbles across some old photos, she sees what hers is missing. During her search, she ends up in a small town and runs into Lawrence Sinclair. The last thing reclusive, eighty-year-old Lawrence wants to think about is photography, but he can’t help but be intrigued by Dani and her persuasiveness. When his grandson, Peter, joins along, that’s when all three are tied together by fortune and fate as they journey to find love and discovery.
Fall at Once by Nora Everly
Madi is in Cozy Creek for two reasons: to get over her breakup and run her grandma’s bakery while she’s recovering from an injury. None of those things involve her falling in love. Until the firefighter neighbor keeps rescuing her, and Madi steps up to plan the fire brigade’s fundraiser. It’s no surprise sparks start to fly between the two, but both of them have been here before, and both have been burned by love.
Seven Year Itch by Amy Daws
Dakota and Calder have been long-term enemies, but when they’re forced to share a room at a destination wedding, they all of a sudden can’t get enough of each other. Dakota was not the casual date Calder was looking for at his brother’s wedding, but as their animosity turns from a benefits situationship to something more, they have to confront their own trauma.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
An iconic classic, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow follows Ichabod Crane and the haunted Dutch settlement of Sleepy Hollow. As Ichabod courts Katrina, he faces rivalry from local hero, Brom Bones. After a disastrous party, Ichabod rides home and runs into something sinister. Only his hat, horse, and a smashed pumpkin is left.
Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc
Lucy owns a coffee shop in small-town Briar Glen, where everyone loves everything fall, including pumpkin spice lattes. The catch? Lucy doesn’t share the same love for that drink as everyone else. Another Gilmore Girls-inspired read, this cozy YA romance will have you daydreaming of autumn.
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
Fall in love with this paranormal romantic comedy following Vivi, who accidentally places a curse on her ex-boyfriend. When he returns to their hometown, his little hex turns into dangerous chaos, and Vivi must now find a way to save the town while navigating their complicated past.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Mika Moon finally finds her purpose when she tutors three witches. As she forms a found family, romance brews with the brooding library Jamie. Mika now has to figure out how to keep their powers a secret from the world and if it’s worth exposing herself in order to protect the ones she loves.
From spooky small-town classics to heartwarming romances that scream pumpkin spice lattes, these reads scream fall time. So light your favorite candle and curl up; these seasonal picks are here to make you feel like you’ve stepped right into the fall season.
Check out our article on this guide to having a fantastic fall.
In need of more fall recommendations? Check out our fall book recommendations bookshelf on Bookshop.
