Cozy Fall Books

The Dutch House

Author: Ann Patchett

Year: 2019

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: October 2019 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Ann Patchett has done it again with this tale of sibling devotion that is a testament to the love that holds a family together. Danny and Maeve are victims of an abandoned mother and father who all but ignores them. Danny narrates the story of their lives as it ties into The Dutch House – a storied mansion their father purchased in Elkins Park. The home that is both a blessing and a curse, symbolizes how the mistakes parents make can impact children for a lifetime.

Why Kirsten loves it

I couldn’t put this story down. I did a mix of reading and listening, but ultimately I got swept into Tom Hank’s incredible narration. I was so fully drawn into the story that the world seemed to fall away.

Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Family Sagas / Cozy Fall Books / Best Books of 2019 / Best Books About Siblings / Best Read With Jenna Books /

The Weekend Crashers

Author: Jamie Brenner

Release Date: November 4, 2025

Genre: Fiction

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Piper is a model who faints at a show. When her agent drops her, she thinks her career is over. Her mother, Maggie, feels like she is losing her daughter suggests they head to New Hope, Pennsylvania, for a knitting retreat. Maggie knows this will be the perfect place to relax and unwind.

However, when they arrive, they find a loud bachelor party is also booked at the inn. Maggie suggests a battle of their crafts that sparks a friendly rivalry. As the weekend continues, however, old secrets and mistakes threaten Maggie and Piper’s relationship. Maggie is a single mother who has always wanted what is best for Piper. But where is the line between wanting the best and pushing too hard?

Why Jackie loves it

This is the book that I needed to read right now. It felt like a fall beach read! I have been to New Hope many times, but the descriptions left me feeling like I needed to take another trip. Brenner is a master of writing real relationships. Piper and Maggie’s relationship felt perfectly imperfect. I cannot wait to talk with her about it! #gifted by Park Row

Find this book in: Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Cozy Fall Books

Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win

Author: Jo Piazza

Year: 2018

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Age Range: 18+

More: January 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick

Plot

This political fiction book struck the perfect balance between lighthearted and serious. I was fascinated by the titular character’s quest to be the first female senator in PA. It’s a delicious look at what happens when a woman tries to have it all.

Charlotte Walsh is running for office in a race crucial to the Senate in DC. After leaving her high-powered Silicon Valley job, she relocates to the suburbs of PA to kick off her campaign. But she isn’t prepared for how nasty politics can be – or how much she might have to sacrifice to win.

Why Kirsten loves it

The dynamics at play when running for office drew me in, but I stayed for her marriage and her struggles to be everything to everyone. I loved the references to places I was familiar with making this a must-read for any local and a perfect pick for a list of contemporary fiction books and books about women in politics!

Find this book in: Cozy Fall Books / Books about Women in Politics / Contemporary Fiction Novels

The Marlow Murder Club

Author: Robert Thorogood

Year: 2021

Genre: Mystery

More info: Marlow Murder Club #1

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Judith is a 77-year-old crossword puzzle author who enjoys her quiet life with her whiskey in her dilapidated mansion in Marlow. When she is out skinny dipping one nice in the Thames, she hears her neighbor get shot.

The police think nothing is awry so Judith takes to investigating. Soon, there are two more murders and Judith unknowingly brings two more people into the investigation with her- Suzie, the dog walker, and Becks, the vicar’s wife.

Why Jackie loves it

This book was an absolute delight to read. It was witty and funny, and I enjoyed every minute. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Find this book in: Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Fiction Serial Killer Books / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Best British Mystery Books / Cozy Fall Books

The Golden Spoon

Author: Jessa Maxwell

Year: 2023

Genre: Mystery

More info: Only Murders in the building meets The Maid

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Every summer for the past ten years, bakers come to a Vermont estate to film a hit television show with the famous host and estate owner Betsy Martin. This year, something is off with the competition as things start to go awry on the set. Suddenly, a body is discovered in this locked room mystery.

Why Jackie loves it

I read this book a day and absolutely loved it. It felt like Agatha Christie meets the Great British Baking Show. There is more than meets the eye with this cozy mystery and I loved every minute. As you get to know each character, the story becomes that much better they are equal parts delightful, hilarious, and suspicious.

Find this book in: Novels About Food / Books with Colors in the Title / Cozy Mystery Books / Cozy Fall Books

How to Solve Your Own Murder

Author: Kristen Perrin

Year: 2024

Genre: Mystery

More info: Castle Knoll Files Book 1 of 2

Age Range: 15+

Plot

Annabelle’s Great Aunt Frances has believed she would be murdered since a fortune teller told her that at a young age. And now she has been!

The kicker? She’s collected files on everyone she knows and thinks the killer is hidden within those pages. For that reason, she has decided to leave her estate and vast fortune to whoever can solve the crime. Pitting Annabelle against other members of her ruthless family, she has one week to solve the murder without putting herself in danger.

The clues go back to Frances’s youth with diary entries interspersed throughout to create a dual-timeline narrative that is so incredibly clever and unique. It’s inferred that Frances’s files will be used again in the future.

Why Kirsten loves it

The first story in this new series didn’t disappoint. It’s a delightful cozy mystery unlike any I’ve read before! I can’t wait to explore Castle Knoll and Aunt Frances’s files more in future books.

Find this book in: Best Cozy Mystery Books / Cozy Fall Books

If It Makes You Happy

Author: Julie Olivia

Year: 2025

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Gilmore Girls lovers rejoice! This book is everything you wanted in a small-town fall romance!

Travel back to 1997, in a small town in Vermont, to a charming B&B where Michelle (aka Luke) is running the inn after the death of her mom – and she’s failing miserably. So, who can she ask for help? What about goofy, single-dad Cliff (aka Lorelai), the beloved local baker.

Why Kirsten loves it

If Stars Hollow is your favorite fictional town and Autumn is your favorite season, this must be added to your TBR. Cliff and Michelle’s reverse-grumpy sunshine romance lit me up, and the many festivals and town activities had me craving a Gilmore Girls rewatch. There is some steam, but those scenes are easily skipped if needed. I loved Michelle’s dog Rocket, Cliff’s amazing daughters, and all the other side characters. It was a perfect romance. #Gifted by Berkley Romance

Find this book in: Cozy Fall Books / Best Romance Books of 2025

The Pumpkin Spice Cafe

Author: Laurie Gilmore

Year: 2023

Genre: Romance

More info: Dream Harbor #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Jeanie needs a change of pace, and it comes when her aunt leaves her a small-town cafe to run. Logan is the local farmer who is grumpy, handsome, and a loner, who is beloved by the town and not looking for love. When someone starts sabotaging Jeanie’s store, Logan can’t sit back and watch her struggle. Instead, he helps acclimate her to the town and catches feelings in the process.

Why Kirsten loves it

I had so many Gilmore Girls flashbacks with this one! I swear I was picturing Luke and Lorelai the entire time I was reading this charming story. I can’t wait to dive into the rest of this series!

Find This Book in: Cozy Fall Books

The Dead Romantics

Author: Ashley Poston

Year: 2022

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: GMA Book Club Pick July 2022

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Florence Day is a ghostwriter for one of the most successful and well-known romance authors in the industry. The name is apt seeing as how she can also see ghosts. But, after a terrible break-up, she no longer believes in love.

When her new editor will not give her an extension on her deadline, she is in a panic and is on the verge of losing her career. Now, the unthinkable has happened. Her beloved father has died and she must return home to bury him. When she sees the ghost of her editor outside the funeral parlor, she cannot understand why he is there with her, and her life is turned upside down.

Why Jackie loves it

This book was a complete delight to read from the very first page. If you are looking for a book for fall, I love this adorable adult fantasy romance book that is totally unique. It reminds me a little of the 2005 movie starring Reese Witherspoon.

Find this book in: Ghost Books / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / GMA Book Club List 2022/ Romance Books About Books / Fiction With a Funeral / Ashley Poston Books Ranked

The Ex Hex

Author: Erin Sterling

Year: 2021

Genre: Magical Realism/ Fantasy Romance

More info: New York Times Bestseller
The Graves Glen Series

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This is the most charming Halloween romance book about witches EVER. I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like it, but it’s perfect for the spooky season and a perfect book for fall.

Nine years ago Rhys Penhallow broke Viviane Jones’ heart and so she cursed him. Now he’s back in the town his family founded to infuse magic back into the ley lines but everything goes wrong!

As his curse takes over the town, Rhys and Vivi have to work to end the curse and restore the right magic back to the town…if they can keep their rekindled romance at bay long enough!

Why Jackie loves it

There is so much to this fantasy romance book to love. The story is sweet, charming, and easy to read for a fun Halloween read.

Find this book in: Urban Fantasy Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Second Chance Romance Books / Cozy Fall Books

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

Author: Sangu Mandanna

Year: 2022

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This book for fall is definitely the feel-good book of the Halloween season. Mika Moon knows that she must hide her magic and stay away from other witches so their powers do not draw the attention of other people. She also knows that witches are destined to be orphans, a very lonely existence.

When she is asked to come and teach magic to three young witches, she finds the life that she had always dreamed of, even if it is temporary. But, does it have to be? Can she find the life she always wanted?

Why Jackie loves it

I listened to this charming book in one day and loved it. This adult fantasy book is a delightful pick book for fall. The characters we sweet and the book left me with a smile on my face. I could not put it down.

Find this book in: Witch Books / Feel-Good Books / Adult Fantasy Novels / Books With Secret in the Title / Cozy Fantasy Romance Books

The Book of Magic

Author: Alice Hoffman

Year: 2021

Genre: Magical Realism

More info: Practical Magic Series

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:16+

Plot

The Owens family has been cursed for over three hundred years. When Jet Owens hears the deathwatch beetle chirping, she knows she will die and is determined to break the curse once and for all before the seven days are up.

As the curse begins to take its toll on one more victim, the Owens family comes together to confront their past, uncover the truth, and end the curse for them all. If you have been reading the Practical Magic Series

Why Jackie loves it

This is the last book in the Practical Magic Series and it might be my favorite one yet. I loved this conclusion to the series. It left me feeling good with no unanswered questions and true to Hoffman’s style, is a page-turner until the final word. Alice Hoffman’s books never disappoint!

Find this book in: Alice Hoffman Books in Order / Practical Magic Books in Order / Cozy Fall Books

The Spellshop

Author: Sarah Beth Durst

Year: 2024

Genre: Romantasy

More info: New York Times Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

In this cozy, heartwarming romantic fantasy story, Kiela escapes the fire at the Great Library of Alyssium and saves a few magical tomes along the way. She ends up back in her parents’ cottage on a faraway island with Caz, her assistant who happens to be a friendly spider plant.

There, she uses the books she rescued to save the creatures and inhabitants of her new home. Along the way, she falls for her handsome neighbor. As she uses the illegal magic to help the townspeople, she might just be putting them all in danger.

Why Kirsten loves it

The world-building on this charming romantasy reminds me of Animal Crossing in some ways. It’s not a scary, dark world, but a charming, sweet village where magical creatures roam and magic is embraced by all. It was the coziest fantasy romance I have ever read. The cottage core vibes truly swept me away. #gifted by Bramble.

Find this book in: Adult Romance Fantasy / Cozy Books / YA Fantasy Novels/ Cozy Fantasy Romance Books / Cozy Fall Books

The Rainfall Market

Author: You Yeong-Gwang

Year: 2025

Genre: January 21, 2025

More info: Translated by Slin Jung

Age Range: 14+

Plot

There is a house outside of Rainbow Town where you can send a letter telling all your troubles. If they send you a ticket, you can bring it to the house on the first day of the rainy season you are granted admission to the Rainfall Market. Once inside, you have a week to find what your perfect life will look like. But if you cannot, you will be left to wander the Rainfall Market forever.

Serin longs for a chance to enter the Rainfall Market. Her sister is gone, she struggles with school, and she and her mother struggle financially. When she receives the coveted ticket, she is determined to find a better life.

When she enters, she meets a magical cat named Issha who acts as her guide as they travel through the magical stores in the market. Will she find the happy ending she is longing for?

Why Jackie loves it

I loved this magical realism book. It is unique and unlike anything I have read before. Even though the book has some deeper themes, the book feels light-hearted throughout. I loved the magical journey Serin takes to find herself and her happiness.

Find this book in: Best Magical Realism / Best Books in Translation / Cozy Fall Books

Under the Whispering Door

Author: T.J Klune

Year: 2021

Genre: Fantasy

More info: New York Times Bestseller, Locus Awards Top Ten Finalist for Fantasy Novel

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Wallace is dead. When the reaper collects him at his funeral and brings him to a strange tea shop, Hugo is waiting with the promise of helping him cross over.

Wallace is not happy to be dead which is not surprising considering he was never happy when he was alive. This light fantasy will make you smile until the last page.

Why Jackie loves it

How many stars can I give? T.J. Klune has done it again with the wonderful book. House on the Cerulean Sea was my favorite book last year. I read this paranormal book in a day and loved every minute of this wonderful family drama book that is truly about found family. The character development feels real as Wallace finds himself and discovers what life is all about.

Find this book in: Best Books of 2021 / Best Ghost Books / Cozy Fall Books / Fiction With a Funeral / Cozy Fantasy Romance Books